Tortoise plastic surgery

[Nellie and Morla]

Well today I took the bearded dragon and our 2 tortoises to the vets. The tortoises were due a beak trim (both have deformities so every 2 years their beaks get a little misshapen and don't work properly). He wouldn't trim Nellie's saying it looks perfectly normal, personally it looks like it's due but regardless. He said Morla's looked normal too so I pointed out she's been having a little bit of trouble recently keeping a hold on food. He left with her and this is how she came back:



How far back over it's been cut:


How far down:


The vets are taking her back tomorrow although the vet we saw today will NOT be touching her. We have insisted they sort this problem but I do wonder if there are any little things I can do in the meantime.

I am aware she may need reconstruction and if so I promise to add those photos too.

[Merlin M]

Sorry I can't help, but my god, poor tortoise! How can she eat now!

[Blueginger1984]

Omg! Poor torty I would have gone crazy if that were my tortoise! I'm not sure what they can do but u hope she's ok?

[Rowan]

I'm truly shocked..... I really don't know what to say. i really hope that they can sort it for you and I hope she's not in any discomfort.

Sending hugs xx

[Catwoman63]

What on earth.....did the vet cut the bottom of the beak? That is absolutely disgusting I would be absolutely furious about that

[Nellie and Morla]

Thanks everyone. She is clearly and understandably distressed. She was bleeding when she came back to me but I have problems reacting to unexpected situations so I didn't see and register it properly until I got home. Straight after those pictures she went to the cold end to toilet and then to hide in the foliage under her heat lamp.

Originally Posted by Merlin M

Sorry I can't help, but my god, poor tortoise! How can she eat now!

I doubt she can. If she tries, even if it's those pellets softened, it'll just come back out won't it. We have complained and insisted they put it right. They're taking her back tomorrow to tube her (poor baby). On Friday the head vet, she's actually good, will assess her. If need be she can have a beak constructed of resin, which is quite probable sadly. I'll keep everyone posted here on this thread.

[emma_mcraf]

Oh poor poor Morla!!
You must be absolutely distraught. Clearly the vet who did this butcher's job didn't have a clue what he/she was doing, or else got a bit carried away. I do hope the head vet will be helpful and you won't be charged for any work. You should be compensated really for what has been done to Morla. Please let us know how things go on Friday.

[lonelylayla]

That is truly shocking I can't begin to imagine how you must be feeling. Hope all goes well when you take her back to the vets

[alley cat]

You did well to keep your cool after that shock!!

This is truly horrifying, the poor tortoise I cannot see how it will be able to eat without some sort of reconstruction sadly.

Did the vet realise it was a butchers job or did they try to pass it off as acceptible?

Can I also ask..what is the stuff in it's mouth? or is it just saliva relecting off the tongue, hard to tell, I hate to ask but has anyone checked the mouth that no other damage has been done on the inside?

[burnt toast]

What a shame, looks painful on bottom bit. Beaks do grow back though, so fingers crossed. I assume you have no plans to hibernate her?

Personally I wouldnt let that vets touch her again & certainly wouldnt leave her there or let them take her out of my sight!! I would ask them to carefully & thoroughly explain any planned remedial work to me before it is allowed to be carried out. I dont actually see what they can do to make it right, as you cant re-attach what has been removed? ( hope I am wrong )

I would take plenty of photos as evidence incase this becomes expensive & you have to tackle this vet practise to pay.

Good luck & I hope she isnt in pain