Sulcata doesn't eat, very lethargic

Chefdenoel10

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I am so sorry to start this conversation like this but I was never a good writer....
I just go straight into it...
I finally got sally (a sulcata tort) to the vet. She had been sneezing and phlegm came out of her nose and mouth. They gave her baytril (136mg for a 130lb tortoise).... and a vitamin A shot in the butt area.
the sneezing has long passed ; but now her back leg is swollen and she has completely stopped eating??
I have offered all different kinds of foods just to get her to eat and she refuses. She doesn’t even want an apple!! (Her favorite).
Now the inside of her mouth is all white and if she does make a poop it is a large black rock !
But she doesn’t eat or poop at all anymore??? She doesn’t even open her mouth to yawn either. She doesn’t take the baytril but I don’t think she needs it anyway. I have her at 92 degrees during the day and I soak her for like 3 hours and night she has a 80 degree spot she sleeps on and a heat mat..and a noise machine that plays crickets.... and a unicorn ? stuffed toy (just to make her feel better).
I don’t know what to do!!??? She also got xrays (doctor says they look great. But then what is causing her not to eat??? Or poop?? Not even in warm water baths for 3 hours!!?
Is the white mouth dehydration??
I soak her in water mixed with pedialite too.
Mouth rot is not a thought.. I don’t see anything wrong (if she opens her mouth) in there ..
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!.
I feel like she might be Constapated??
And I feel like I am going to have a breakdown!!!!!....
with carona viruses ? and now this!!! All I wanted was a wee vacation from work but how can I enjoy it if my baby is so sick!!??
Sorry for the crazy all over the place story but I am at wits end!!....
Help!?

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Yvonne G

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Get that tortoise warmed up! Blankets don't do a bit of good when the person/animal being blanketed doesn't make his own heat. When I have a sick tortoise I like to set them up in a small hospital tank. At your tortoise's size, a big plastic tote would probably do the trick. Get his inner core temperature up to 85F degrees to help him fight off whatever bug he's being bombarded with. Set him and his tub out in the sun occasionally if you can find a sheltered area where there's no wind. Real sunshine does wonders for a sick tortoise.

Antibiotics are pretty harsh on a tortoise's system, and Baytril is one of the harshest. Soak the tortoise daily in your clean bath tub for about a half hour, 45 minutes. This helps flush the strong medicine through and out of his system.

He looks pretty sick. I hope getting his inner core warmed up is helpful. Please keep us informed.
 

vladimir

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Poor thing. The coloration of his head looks a little concerning, but I'm certainly not an expert. Please keep us informed, and keep up with the temperatures and warm soaks.
 

Markw84

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First of all, do not go back to that vet. Because of the renal portal system that reptiles have, the preferred method for administering a drug in a tortoise is in the front limbs, not the caudal or rear portion. The renal portal system routes all blood in the rear portion of a tortoise through the kidneys BEFORE going to the heart and the rest of the tortoise. This does filter and reduce some of the drug in the system by the time it gets to the main part of the body. The degree is variable with type of drug, but it is still by far the preferred method. Vit A injections are a warning sign. With aquatic turtles, it can often be of value, but with tortoises, who consume mainly dark green leafy diets, vit A deficiency is practically non-existent. A vet with very limited tortoise experience will often do this, though because they see so much reference to it in overall chelonian treatment - because of aquatic turtles. Baytril is a harsh drug. With such a large tortoise and such a large dose injected at once and in the rear legs, it is going to do some cellular damage there.

Follow @Yvonne G 's advice. Get the tortoise is a nice, warm, and HUMID environment you can control Get rid of those blankets. They are counter-productive for tortoise body heat regulation and will combat the humidity that is so good for the tortoise. With respiratory issues, humidity is even more important.

Most of what you are seeing and concerned about is the result of the treatment at that vet. The respiratory issues are best addressed by optimal heat and humidity 24/7.
 

ZenHerper

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Wrapping a reptile in blankets actually insulates it FROM any heat in the room. They don't generate any metabolic heat from inside; they must absorb heat from the environment in order to charge up their digestive and metabolic organs.

Even if the room thermostat reads hot, the floor is much colder (why we wear socks-and-slippers).

In a temperate, frequently cloudy climate (like NJ), you need some kind of heat-emitting equipment and you need it right away.
 

Tom

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I agree with Mark. Your vet harmed your tortoise because of their ignorance. Injectable Baytril is extremely caustic and painful. It literally burns the tissue at the injection site. Any decent vet knows that you can't inject tortoises in the back legs. "Vitamin shots" are a tell tale sign of a vet that doesn't know tortoises.

I'm sorry. You were trying to do the right thing and help your tortoise, but this vet has made a bad thing far worse. I would be sure to let them know so they don't do this to someone else's beloved pet. Have them do a simple search for the "tortoise renal portal system" that Mark mentioned.

Keep up the soaks and the warm temps you said you are offering, and hopefully she'll pull through.

I agree the blankets are a waste of time and unnecessary, as is the unicorn stuffy. I wouldn't want the tortoise to try to eat that when it starts to feel better.

Can we see a pic of your tortoise's tail? I suspect you don't have a female.
 

Chefdenoel10

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Get that tortoise warmed up! Blankets don't do a bit of good when the person/animal being blanketed doesn't make his own heat. When I have a sick tortoise I like to set them up in a small hospital tank. At your tortoise's size, a big plastic tote would probably do the trick. Get his inner core temperature up to 85F degrees to help him fight off whatever bug he's being bombarded with. Set him and his tub out in the sun occasionally if you can find a sheltered area where there's no wind. Real sunshine does wonders for a sick tortoise.

Antibiotics are pretty harsh on a tortoise's system, and Baytril is one of the harshest. Soak the tortoise daily in your clean bath tub for about a half hour, 45 minutes. This helps flush the strong medicine through and out of his system.

He looks pretty sick. I hope getting his inner core warmed up is helpful. Please keep us informed.
Yes Yvonne
I am so sorry I did not explained that picture.. under the blankets she is sitting on a plugged in heat mat.. she soaks every day for 3 hours in a tub with warm water and pedialite.. her spot lamp thing is 85. Should it be hotter?? She also soaks right by a window in the bathroom lots of sun light...
Any more suggestions?? I promise to listen!
She did eat some lettuce and Swiss chard today. She likes the Swiss chard??? Is that bad for her?? The weird things in the tub with her are leftover lettuce crumbs..lol
 

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Maggie3fan

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Yes Yvonne
I am so sorry I did not explained that picture.. under the blankets she is sitting on a plugged in heat mat.. she soaks every day for 3 hours in a tub with warm water and pedialite.. her spot lamp thing is 85. Should it be hotter?? She also soaks right by a window in the bathroom lots of sun light...
Any more suggestions?? I promise to listee
She did eat some lettuce and Swiss chard today. She likes the Swiss chard??? Is that bad for her?? The weird things in the tub with her are leftover lettuce crumbs..lol

I may get corrected...but soaking for 3 hours...I don't think that's a good thing...That tortoise needs over head UVB basking bulb 100 watts...not a heat mat... the heat mat would be extra, sorta, more for night sleeping...the bulb being very necessary, no UVB rays come thru a window...get Mazuri...hay or their natural food...not enuf nutrition in lettuce...That Vitamin A injection may well cost that tortoise his life...sorry
 

Chefdenoel10

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Funny you said that . I just got my husband to get Mazuri tonight as a matter of fact.
She doesn’t just eat lettuce she also gets grass from outside and veggies (squash,carrots,asparagus and topped with pure pumpkin. I am so sorry I am failing her.
Thanks for your advice!! She is under her heat lamp 100 watts right now as we speak and I will follow your advice to the tee!
do you really think that vitamin a shot is going to make her die???? I don’t know why they did that in the back of her???
They also said they had to use a larger gage needle because it was thick!?
Omg!!! I am gonna die!!!
 

Boo628

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Try soaking with carrots. Blended carrot with warm water. Got a desert tortoise awhile ago that couldn't walk or eat but came back to life.
Use a baby aspirator that thing u suck booger out a baby's nose n do it on the tortoise. When my sulcata was sick the vet gave baytril. Didn't work. Sucked out the booger (phlegm) n he's been fine. This was last year. I done that to 2 sulcatas n both haven't had any problems.
 

Chefdenoel10

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Try soaking with carrots. Blended carrot with warm water. Got a desert tortoise awhile ago that couldn't walk or eat but came back to life.
Use a baby aspirator that thing u suck booger out a baby's nose n do it on the tortoise. When my sulcata was sick the vet gave baytril. Didn't work. Sucked out the booger (phlegm) n he's been fine. This was last year. I done that to 2 sulcatas n both haven't had any problems.
I will try that today!!!!
Thanks for the advice !! It’s different?.. but I had been thinking of it for awhile now..
Thank you ?
 

Toddrickfl1

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I am so sorry to start this conversation like this but I was never a good writer....
I just go straight into it...
I finally got sally (a sulcata tort) to the vet. She had been sneezing and phlegm came out of her nose and mouth. They gave her baytril (136mg for a 130lb tortoise).... and a vitamin A shot in the butt area.
the sneezing has long passed ; but now her back leg is swollen and she has completely stopped eating??
I have offered all different kinds of foods just to get her to eat and she refuses. She doesn’t even want an apple!! (Her favorite).
Now the inside of her mouth is all white and if she does make a poop it is a large black rock !
But she doesn’t eat or poop at all anymore??? She doesn’t even open her mouth to yawn either. She doesn’t take the baytril but I don’t think she needs it anyway. I have her at 92 degrees during the day and I soak her for like 3 hours and night she has a 80 degree spot she sleeps on and a heat mat..and a noise machine that plays crickets.... and a unicorn ? stuffed toy (just to make her feel better).
I don’t know what to do!!??? She also got xrays (doctor says they look great. But then what is causing her not to eat??? Or poop?? Not even in warm water baths for 3 hours!!?
Is the white mouth dehydration??
I soak her in water mixed with pedialite too.
Mouth rot is not a thought.. I don’t see anything wrong (if she opens her mouth) in there ..
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!!!!.
I feel like she might be Constapated??
And I feel like I am going to have a breakdown!!!!!....
with carona viruses ? and now this!!! All I wanted was a wee vacation from work but how can I enjoy it if my baby is so sick!!??
Sorry for the crazy all over the place story but I am at wits end!!....
Help!?

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Best of luck, your Tortoise looks VERY ill.
 

Chefdenoel10

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Hi!!!!
I am happy to report — sally is feeling a lot better! She has pooped and I think got rid of the build up of urates that was bothering her?? She now has more energy and fight in her.. and she ate lettuce and Mazuri (on Yvonne’s advice) both yesterday and today!!! She is basking under her lamp (100wts) as we speak and getting her tubby.. my husband informed me that the basking lamp she is using he replaced the bulb (awhile ago I guess without telling me) and used only a 50wts bulb! Well... now with all of this coming to lite... I will be in FULL CONTROL of my baby.
I just last night re- bought everything!!
Heat lamps/bulbs, uvb bulbs and night bulbs too. (yes the domes too)
I figured I want the new updated domes (and a fresh start...)
Mazuri and different lettuces and greenery is my new way to go.. (if it’s gonna work ?).. I am also looking for a spray maybe to keep her dry skin and hydration under control..? Any suggestions would be most welcome ?.
That does not imply for a second that I will not be soaking her!! She will get her soak on a daily basis as always.. that will NEVER change!
Look guys... I did not raise this tiny little rock (that fit into the palm of my hand)
to get to be 22 years old 130lbs.. to give up on her now. Some say she will die from that stupid vitamin A shot she got and I am hear you tell you....
NOT ON MY WATCH!!!
I am willing and able ......and.... willing to do whatever it takes!
we have been through too much together to put that seed in my head. Now its time to fight..
And no one is going to make me give up ..
Vladimir ?.... I thank you for all your well wishes and concern..! I will post pictures for you to be the judge ... we are on the road to recovery!!!!
I need positive thoughts and vibes.
Thank you so much sir...
Your advice will be taken at all times too!!
?
Sally .... is Jersey strong ?
And will be just fine .... now.
 

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Chefdenoel10

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P.s. the stuff on her back is a shell saver??
Just so she keeps a nice shell... I hope THAT is not just something I am waistline money on??? I hear stores tend to “sell-sell-sell”.?
 

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vladimir

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We've actually discussed Shell Saver here before, and we have had good results. I think @EllieMay did some experiments. I apply it from time to time, especially in the winter when the humidity is lower.

Edit: Here's the comparison thread: https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/shell-saver-experiment.167766/


I'm so glad to hear she's doing better. Can you post pictures of your lighting and heating setup, so that we can see if there are any environmental changes that might help?

What is the ambient temperature of the room where she lives?
 

Chefdenoel10

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P.s. the stuff on her back is a shell saver??
We've actually discussed Shell Saver here before, and we have had good results. I think @EllieMay did some experiments. I apply it from time to time, especially in the winter when the humidity is lower.

Edit: Here's the comparison thread: https://www.tortoiseforum.org/threads/shell-saver-experiment.167766/


I'm so glad to hear she's doing better. Can you post pictures of your lighting and heating setup, so that we can see if there are any environmental changes that might help?

What is the ambient temperature of the room where she lives?
hi sir- yes I will send pictures of everything as soon as I can because I have ripped most of it down today while crying .. just want her to get better faster... I will post ASAP I promise .. also I am hooking up the “new” timer plug controller as we speak.
but I want to make sure I send a picture of EVERYTHING you asked me for.. ?
This is the timer attached to the heat light (100wtts) AMD her new “hospital bed” or quarantine bed...it is a large self made rolling ..... box??.. I guess.
Doors on both sides lock and there is ventilation on top and sides and the night “heat” bulb will clip onto the top when I get a chance tonight....
We have radiator heat and it’s usually around anywhere from 75-80 in here Radiated Heat!! I am sweating !! And I made sure we put wheels on this box so as she is not directly on the floor. I always want her to be off the floor.
For two reasons :
number one it’s cold down there
and number to my neighbor has heavy feet!!!
I will send the other info tonight or tomorrow morning for you .
Thanks Vladimir ..?????!
 

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Chefdenoel10

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Wait a minute.... these pictures look awful! No wonder people are yelling at me! Let me repost .... ok so... you really have to see it!?
It is warm. No drafts.. up in the right hand corner is a night time cricket machine and another regular light (small) for me to clean the cage... on the top is the clamp lamp with her 100wtt light bulb (just for heat though).. I will post the uvb bulb in the next round of pictures...
 

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