Help! Sick baby redfoot.

[DIYjoanna]

Help! A redfoot hatchling I’ve had for 3 months all the sudden seems lethargic and is walking very weird dragging shell seems to be very weak and not eating well. Almost seems like a neurological issue the way he’s walking his back legs are splayed out and front legs he seems like he’s straining to lift weight with them. Vet visit is scheduled but soonest I could get is 4 days away. Enclosure is kept at 85 degrees between 70-80% humidity. I did find him upside down in water dish a few days ago. He could’ve been that way for abt 10 min max. I’m wondering if he may have aspirated and now has pneumonia. Also when sleeping his head is stretched out farther than normal and just resting on substrate. I’m very worried. I’ve read about carrot baby food and pedialyte soaks. Anyone opposed to that before I give it a try. Need all the tips to keep him alive until vet visit where I assume he’ll get antibiotics.

 

[wellington]

It sounds like either poisoned or possible aspirated. Bump the temp up about 3 degrees.
The carrot piedialyte soaks likely won't do anything but won't hurt to try it.
Good luck.
@Yvonne G

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Help! A redfoot hatchling I’ve had for 3 months all the sudden seems lethargic and is walking very weird dragging shell seems to be very weak and not eating well. Almost seems like a neurological issue the way he’s walking his back legs are splayed out and front legs he seems like he’s straining to lift weight with them. Vet visit is scheduled but soonest I could get is 4 days away. Enclosure is kept at 85 degrees between 70-80% humidity. I did find him upside down in water dish a few days ago. He could’ve been that way for abt 10 min max. I’m wondering if he may have aspirated and now has pneumonia. Also when sleeping his head is stretched out farther than normal and just resting on substrate. I’m very worried. I’ve read about carrot baby food and pedialyte soaks. Anyone opposed to that before I give it a try. Need all the tips to keep him alive until vet visit where I assume he’ll get antibiotics.

Sorry this is happening agree with wellington, hoping it’s not poison though!

Humidity could do being higher than 70 at all times.

If we could get a little more info on set up, might help us point anything out that’s off

May I ask what kind of monitoring you have measuring your temperature and humidity?
What kind of lighting&heating are you using? Packaging pics are good if you have them
What kind of uv?
What kind of substrate?
Is it a closed chamber?
How do you maintain your humidity? Do you use a humidifier?
What kind of water dish do you have?

Just be wary of what vet you go to, most don’t know how to appropriately house tortoises for the good of their long term health, some will force vitamin injections for no reason and others straight to antibiotics without proper calculations.

If we could get a photo of the full set up and one of your baby that’d be great!

 

[TammyJ]

Seems like something very wrong happened or is still happening with your tortoise. The only way we can give you crucial help is for you to take the time and care to give us the details of how he is kept. Thanks for your caring!