[rudie]

Good day! This is rudy and i have a tokay who hasn't been eating for the last two weeks now. He has a wound on his lower frontal jaw and lost several teeth! I'm afraid that's the cause of his not eating. I'm also concerned that it may get badly infected and may cause complications.can you guys please give me some advice and remedy to my tokay's situation. Much thanks!!!

[Riverside Reptiles]

You will need to provide pictures of the wound as well as much more detailed information if you want any accurate advice. Otherwise, all we can do is guess and that doesn't do anyone any good.

[rudie]

thanks for the reply ethan. it's pretty hard to catch and take a picture of my tokay because of the threat of stressing him and usually he's doing this lockjaw bite every time i handle him. but as soon as i have those pictures i'll post it right away. much thanks again ethan.

[ForestSounds]

Here's my tip:
If your Tokay manages to bite you every time you handle him, you're probably not handling him with enough confidence.
It's my experience that if you just stay calm, concentrate on the animal, and simply grab them with one swift, focused movement, right behind their head with your thumb and index finger, the chances of being bitten are minimal. Problem is, most inexperienced Tokay handlers hesitate to grab their animals out of fear, which does three things: 1) a lot of failed attempts to grab the animal, 2) stress the animal out so that he's really on guard and pissed off, which makes grabbing him much more difficult, and 3) greater chance that you won't grab him firm enough, so that he has the chance to wiggle free and bite you.
I have to admit, I'm also a bit nervous when I have to handle my 12" male because he's so fast and powerful, but just not giving in to your fears is really the best method...
I always keep in mind that their defensive behaviour is something I admire in these animals - that positive attitude almost makes handling them fun!
Anyway - hope this helps you in handling the animal without getting bitten...
Good luck!

[ScottyB]

take your tokay to a herp vet. it hasn't eaten in two weeks or so. has a wound that wont heal and is losing teath, it sounds like a major problem that should be addressed by a experienced herp vet.