MBD and Liquid Calcium

[Sienna'sHermanns]

So it seems like I'm posting a new question every day now!

My boy Ray is 20-22ish and is suffering with MBD that is affecting his mobility more than his shell. His back legs are so weak and he's often dragging himself alone with uncoordinated front legs.

The specialist vet we went to has put him on 0.22ml of Enrobactin for an RI but has suggested we begin using a liquid calcium to further help his bone density since he's pretty much done growing. I've seen a few different ideas for giving them calcium but Ray isn't eating at the minute so powder is going to be difficult.

Any suggestions/opinions on liquid calcium in his bath? Not daily I'd assume because I don't want to overload him suddenly but he doesn't eat or drink yet so I'm not sure how else to go about getting him the calcium.

He does have a UVB but the vet thinks he needs a bit more of a boost.

Thanks guys!

(Pic of him stretching his leg out under his flood lamp)

(Pic of the liquid calcium suggested)

 

[Sienna'sHermanns]

Also I feel like the flare of his shell out the back is resting on his legs which doesn't look too comfortable, is that normal? Will strengthening his legs help lift the edge of his shell off his legs?

 

[wellington]

Can you post more pictures of him. From the side possibly standing too if possible.
Most tortoises with MBD have signs of a slanted shell towards the back end.
What size enclosure do you have him in? The lack of roaming room will cause weak legs. I had to rescue a leopard that couldn't walk due to lack of room.
Your tortoise needs a minimum of a 4x8 enclosure. Those disc gauges are not reliable, replace them with digital and placed at tortoise height.
Do hydrotherapy on your tort. Fill tub with warm water and make him swim back and forth. Support him with a couple fingers if needed. Do this daily until he can walk normal. Get him a proper size enclosure too.
As for liquid calcium in the soaks, it should work. I would do that in a smaller container not when doing the tub therapy.

 

[Sienna'sHermanns]

Can you post more pictures of him. From the side possibly standing too if possible.
Most tortoises with MBD have signs of a slanted shell towards the back end.
What size enclosure do you have him in? The lack of roaming room will cause weak legs. I had to rescue a leopard that couldn't walk due to lack of room.
Your tortoise needs a minimum of a 4x8 enclosure. Those disc gauges are not reliable, replace them with digital and placed at tortoise height.
Do hydrotherapy on your tort. Fill tub with warm water and make him swim back and forth. Support him with a couple fingers if needed. Do this daily until he can walk normal. Get him a proper size enclosure too.
As for liquid calcium in the soaks, it should work. I would do that in a smaller container not when doing the tub therapy.

His house is too small but we're in the process of sorting a shed outside with all the equipment others have suggest. Hope these photos help? He's got pyramiding and that's pretty much as "up" as he gets, he doesn't walk on his feet, more like drags with his front.

 

[Sienna'sHermanns]

I think years of living on laminate floor has damaged the way his claws grow and the angle his feet are makes it hard for him to find any grip but I take him outside on warmer days to let him try walk on grass instead.

 

[wellington]

Yes, laminate floors are not meant for tortoises. He does seem to show slight MBD. I think the hydrotherapy and a proper sized enclosure, temps, dirt, substrate, etc will help a lot with the walking.
It all helped the leopard I rescued. He was stunted and couldn't walk. His life got set right when I got him and he walks like a normal tortoise and walks fast. He barely even stops walking unless he's eating or in for the night.

 

[Sienna'sHermanns]

Yes, laminate floors are not meant for tortoises. He does seem to show slight MBD. I think the hydrotherapy and a proper sized enclosure, temps, dirt, substrate, etc will help a lot with the walking.
It all helped the leopard I rescued. He was stunted and couldn't walk. His life got set right when I got him and he walks like a normal tortoise and walks fast. He barely even stops walking unless he's eating or in for the night.

Thank you so much, I can't wait to have his enclosed sorted and begin working on his hydrotherapy!