Help with Deresa that has apparently dislocated/seperated it's shell

[fishdoc11]

I have an approximately 12" Deresa that I've kept for about 4 years. I recently moved it to another spot in the tank and just noticed today that the clam has disjointed it's hinge and now the clam is sitting oblique(not at a 90 degree angle) to the bottom of the tank. I inspected the bottom of the clam and tissue has been torn but I can't see any what I would perceive to be unhealthy tissue. The clam seems to be expanding his mantle normally. I realigned the joint once and the clam fell back into it's previous position fairly quickly. I realigned it again and the clam seems to be holding that configuration (if only for a couple of hours now).
Anybody have experience with this? If so any idea of prognosis?
TIA, Chris

 

[mbbuna]

it sounds like degeneration or bacterial infection of the hinge ligament. there really isnt any treatment for it. the best thing you can do is align the shell as you have. most of the cases ive heard of the clam seam unaffected and does just fine, sometimes regrowing the ligament

 

[fishdoc11]

Thanks for the feedback mbbuna.

 

[a4twenty]

you could maybe use a few small rocks or some sand to try and hold him in the proper position until he can heal.

 

[jmaneyapanda]

i agree to not excessively mess with it. If the mantle is normally postured, and the condition wasnt caused by trauma, just let the clam deal with it.

 

[fishdoc11]

Thanks Guys.

I do suspect trauma as the clam wedged itself into some rockwork after being moved.

Chris

 

[fishdoc11]

Well it became unhinged again today so I think tomorrow I'm going to fashion a hinge out of fiberglass mash and super glue gel to try and stabilize the shell.

 

[fishdoc11]

Update:
I fashioned one hinge and he ripped through that one so I fashioned another that was wider and double thickness and that seems to be holding.....or has been for a few days now. I also moved him back to his old spot. He seems to be doing ok for the moment.
Chris

 

[a4twenty]

good to hear, thanks for the update