May indicate a severe parasite infection, a metabolic problem such as renal or liver dysfunction, or even a broken jaw or ear abscess which causes pain on eating. Requires further investigation by your veterinarian. Severe infections need urgent veterinary treatment. Regular beak maintenance is important to prevent stomatitis. Some forms are caused by a herpes-group virus.
Mixed colonies are much more at risk than small same-species groups maintained in isolation.
Treatment is prolonged and often the prognosis is poor. Symptoms are intense diarrhoea, often with undigested food being passed. Often follows a severe flagellate infection. It is an indication that beneficial bacteria in the intestinal system have for some reason been eliminated or reduced. Remedies include feeding Benebac with food, live natural yoghurt or screened droppings from a healthy tortoise of the same species.