The Puffer Forum

I decided that tonight was the night & I have trimmed his teeth right back. The big white area in his mouth, turned out to be a big lump of cockle! (how silly do I feel?) Anyway, will let him settle overnight & see how things look in the morning. Hoping that his mouth will start closing a little now.

His mouth is still not closing? His teeth do not meet at all now (unless they do right at the back - but how could i see or get in there to trim?) Any suggestions as to why this might be? Going to try & get a new picture.

possibly congenital at this point, especially since they don't wear down. Kinda like my teacher's rat.

Did you pull back the lip to see where the teeth meet the gums? They may be longer than they seem. You might use an extra set of hands for this.

I did pull his lips back a little. Could not get the clippers any further back than I did though. Now I have moved the lump of food that was stuck in the way, I can see that the problem does still lie with his teeth right at the back. What can I use that is small enough to get in there - I am scared of nipping his skin or gums. He does seem much happier, even though I had thought there was nothing wrong with his behaviour! He can now nip at my moles when I am cleaning the tank again!

What have you been using,--cucticle nippers, as are recommended in the deinsitry article or fingernail clippers?

I used cuticle clippers.

Hmmm... that should have been able to get in the back of his mouth then. There are only 4 plates of teeth to cut.

I think I just panic & rush things! I am sure if I took more time I could get the clippers to the back properly. Now my concern is: anaesthetising him again - should I wait a while do you think? As always, he is happy, active & no problems eating.

If he's eating, happy, and active, I'd wait for the Finquel.

How's the swelling?

Wow that last pic finally came itno focus in my mind...his teeth were REALLY long. The whole time I was like "what's that shiny thing in his mouth?" LOL

liquid88 wrote:Wow that last pic finally came itno focus in my mind...his teeth were REALLY long. The whole time I was like "what's that shiny thing in his mouth?" LOL

I know. Its weird, cos I didn't really notice them cos I saw him every day - it was only when I saw an old photo of him that I realised!

Pufferpunk wrote:How's the swelling?

The swelling has all but gone, without treatment. Should get some MS222(Finquel) on Monday from the vets, so will need to get to the back of his mouth & get those teeth done properly! Any suggestions as to how long I should wait after using clove oil, before I use the MS222 to anaesthetise him?

It's been long enough.