Well I got the go a head to do the feeding. So we will see. If we cant get him to eat on his own by Tuesday, then we may have to tube him. Not looking forward to that as it will be a bit costly as well as risky. He did perk up again at the vet, and other than his RI, and lack of feeding he is doing OK, so I am hopeful. We did the goodies thing, Nada unfortunately. The Vet gave me some nasal medication to help clear him up as well as the antibiotics. Ill ask those questions at the pet store when I call the guy in charge Monday.
Well I guess I can look at it this way, our introduction to this is has been a crash course to say the least. So one positive way to look at it is that when we get through all of it, we will be a step ahead in knowing how to handle future issues.
Well I hope he eats before Tuesday. It will be stressful for him and you to do the tube feeding.
I am wishing the best for you.
I would suggest that you go to the pet store & face the manager when you ask for reimbursement for vet bills. It is much easier for them to say no over the phone!
I would suggest returning the red bulb, and getting a "basking" bulb with a higher wattage. They like the brite lite. It usually makes them more active.
Ask your vet if he thinks your baby needs to be nebulized. We did that for nearly all tort RI's. He may let you rent a nebulizer to bring home. We nebulized sometimes twice daily if it was a bad infection.
I don't remember if you ever said what you have for a UVB bulb. Just so you know, it isn't painful for the tort to be tube fed. The just don't like being held still to get the tube down their throat.
I agree with not putting your tort on the floor, especially when it is cool, but they can find things to put in their mouth that you can't even see, worse than a human baby. Bye the way , WELCOME to the forum. Keep coming with questions when you need to.
Good Luck
Patsy
Hi, sorry I have been away for a bit, and double sorry I still have not produced a pic. But I will. Smeagol started eating on his own on Monday so the tube was not necessary. We fed him liquid spinach Saturday and Sunday which he did not like at all, but got just enough in to wet his appetite. It was so cool to see him eat that first weed and some grass. Since then he has eaten a bit more each day, and yesterday he ate a bunch. Still no poop, but I'm sure that will come now that he has something in him. We actually used a nasal spray on our finger and then dobbed his nose twice a day, that helped a lot. He had his last antibiotic shot yesterday and looks to be well out of the woods. Very active and eating a lot. I do have a UVB Bulb, and the red bulb in his current en closer keeps the temp at about 80 in his hot spot and between 75 and 78 in the cooler spot. Right now we alternate the bulbs but will soon have a set up where both will be utilized. We have been getting him outside more, and he loves that. Ill be posting another thread soon to ask a couple more direct questions about drafts and some other stuff, but have to go for now. I just wanted to say thanks again for everyone who helped with their advice and experience. It made all the difference and we very much appreciate it.
So glad to hear Smeagol seems to be on the road to recovery. You guys did a great job, keeping on top of the problem.
I'm glad he is feeling better. Can't wait to see a pic. thanks for the update.
Congrats on Smeagol's continuing increase in good health, and your diligence and fast action.
Can’t wait to see pics and thanks for the update.