What about Oregon State? I’m in Salem and that’s where I’d likely head to. I’m sure their vet department would be thrilled for something other than an exotic lama.
Broken Leg - Experiences/Treatments?
- Thread starter MPRC
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- Nov 17, 2013
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The breaks look pretty severe. Both the fibula and tibia are completely broken and the fractured ends are not even close to being lined up closely enough to allow healing. I think the tortoise will need surgery to get the fractured ends of the bones to line up so they can heal. At the very least, he needs to be anesthetized and have the foot manipulated so that the bones are properly aligned which would then need to be confirmed by more X-ray pictures. Then a splint would need to be applied to keep the foot and leg in the proper position for healing to occur.
If surgery were done, pins could probably be placed in the two bones to hold them in the proper position while they healed.
When you hear from the vets, please post the recommendation made so we can see if they agree with my assessment.
I'll absolutely keep you updated. That was what I was concerned about, the bones really aren't close and I can't imagine keeping the leg taped up as it is in the shell (and they couldn't get a clear film of it retracted in his shell to see how it lines up while taped.) I wanted to jump in and do my own d*** xrays after all the trouble they have had. I've only xrayed mammals but I bet I could have gotten something useful. I miss working at a vet clinic.
Anyway, I'm going to call them this week for an update.
In the mean time he is resting comfortably, eating a ton including extra calcium from powder, egg shells and snails. (He won't touch cuttle bone) and he's being kept a little warmer and is getting a lot of UVB. He's finished a 10 day course of .3ml of oral meloxicam once daily. When i get home in a couple days ill give him a good check up to see if he may need more drugs.
Thanks all for your input and well wishes.
UPDATE: I spoke with the vet a week or two ago and he advised that we remove the bandage and put him on 'kennel rest' in a small box for 6-8 weeks and see how he does. He's currently residing in a cardboard box in the tortoise room with water, food, a towel and just enough room to turn around.
The swelling has gone down significantly and the leg supports him when he's soaking, this is the only time I can really tell because he doesn't stand tall in his box. Still resting on the shell and scooting to turn/move for food.
Hopefully this will allow it to mend straight-ish. At least it's not floppy like it was. I will probably take him in for another xray at the 'end' of his isolation, but I think I'm going to continue to keep him separate. It's been much more peaceful for everyone. I feel like he and Vern (the large male) were in competition for the ladies. Since dividing the herd into girls in one enclosure, Mango in another and Vern and Squirt (male) in another everyone is eating, active and not constantly humping.
Photos from my phone will be posted in a few.
The swelling has gone down significantly and the leg supports him when he's soaking, this is the only time I can really tell because he doesn't stand tall in his box. Still resting on the shell and scooting to turn/move for food.
Hopefully this will allow it to mend straight-ish. At least it's not floppy like it was. I will probably take him in for another xray at the 'end' of his isolation, but I think I'm going to continue to keep him separate. It's been much more peaceful for everyone. I feel like he and Vern (the large male) were in competition for the ladies. Since dividing the herd into girls in one enclosure, Mango in another and Vern and Squirt (male) in another everyone is eating, active and not constantly humping.
Photos from my phone will be posted in a few.
That's fantastic! It takes a while, but reptiles have an amazing ability to heal, don't they?
That's incredible that he's not limping.
Do you plan to do another Xray since he's become walking & active? I'd be curious to see how the bones healed.
Do you plan to do another Xray since he's become walking & active? I'd be curious to see how the bones healed.
Hey! I am so happy to hear his little leg is healing well! Go Mango!!!!
What is the container that you are using to bathe your Grande Brigade? I’m looking for options other than my guest bathroom tub. Getting tored of the nightly clean up. My torties are awesome about not pooping in their „bedroom” or other places, but boy! they really do a number in that tub! Every night! [emoji23]
I use less water and waste less time just putting them in the bath tub. Outside they have a couple of large plastic water heater drain dishes.
