Very very sick Sulcata. Advice?

Kadels

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Chuck Norris got her stitches out yesterday. She has healed up nicely, except one little spot. I'm not sure what's going on there. But we happen to be going down to A&M tomorrow, so we will figure it out.

At A&M, our goal is to find a prosthetic that will work. I'm still hoping we can find something that will allow Chuck Norris to use the shoulder we worked so hard to save. Sadly, it's looking more like it will be some sort of wheel.
 

DawnH

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Chuck Norris got her stitches out yesterday. She has healed up nicely, except one little spot. I'm not sure what's going on there. But we happen to be going down to A&M tomorrow, so we will figure it out.

At A&M, our goal is to find a prosthetic that will work. I'm still hoping we can find something that will allow Chuck Norris to use the shoulder we worked so hard to save. Sadly, it's looking more like it will be some sort of wheel.

I can't enough good things about A&M!! Their staff is beyond amazing and they truly work miracles. You did good, mama!! I love Chucks face in the last set of photos. Look at that smile!!! Let us know what they say tomorrow, you did good. Real good. :<3:
 

Kadels

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We are roughly 6 months post-amputation, and Chuck Norris the 3-legged tortoise is a little devil. She will never poop while being soaked - preferring instead to go in her indoor enclosure, smear it all around, and eat it (gross!). She is also an escape artist. Somehow she gets out of the indoor enclosure without ending up upside down. We also built an outdoor enclosure from which - no matter what I do - she can escape in about an hour. Then she escapes her wheel. It is like chasing a toddler who has taken off her diaper.

But she is alive, healthy, and growing. And that is all that matters.
 

Big Charlie

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We are roughly 6 months post-amputation, and Chuck Norris the 3-legged tortoise is a little devil. She will never poop while being soaked - preferring instead to go in her indoor enclosure, smear it all around, and eat it (gross!). She is also an escape artist. Somehow she gets out of the indoor enclosure without ending up upside down. We also built an outdoor enclosure from which - no matter what I do - she can escape in about an hour. Then she escapes her wheel. It is like chasing a toddler who has taken off her diaper.

But she is alive, healthy, and growing. And that is all that matters.
So happy to hear this!
 

Kadels

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image.jpg
Knocking down the pen to escape.

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Roaming around, she removed her wheel.


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There she is!

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Apparently the wheel is not comfortable for sleeping.

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She escaped the pool and pulled EVERYTHING off the bookshelf.


image.jpgOut of the pool and all the way to the bathroom!
 

Lyn W

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Can't believe I missed this thread - especially with my leopard only having 3 feet - the rear left missing too.
Lola was found in field in this state, but healed. No idea how or when it happened and no vets in the area have records of treating a tort for the injury. He copes very well and it doesn't slow him down at all. I do worry about the strain his shortened leg may put on his right hip, so we may have to go down the route of some sort of prosthetic in the future, but he is very quite active when he wants to be.
Photo0770.jpg
I do hope Mrs Norris continues to go from strength to strength
 

Big Charlie

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Apparently she is very mobile. Does she get around pretty well without the wheel? It looks like she can get out of it. Does she seem to mind or like it when it is on?
 

Kadels

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I do worry about the strain his shortened leg may put on his right hip, so we may have to go down the route of some sort of prosthetic in the future, but he is very quite active when he wants to be.
I have the same worry. But Chuck Norris really seems to prefer to be without her wheel. Now, that could be due to the fact that the wheel is not right for her ... but it's the only option we have. So I put it on her every day and make her wear it until she pulls it off.
 

Kadels

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Apparently she is very mobile. Does she get around pretty well without the wheel? It looks like she can get out of it. Does she seem to mind or like it when it is on?
She is extremely mobile without the wheel. I put it on very tight, so I have no idea how she gets out of it. It doesn't seem to bother her, but apparently it does since she always taking it off.
 
M

Maggie Cummings

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You are going thru a very hard time, I know. But I had a 3 legged tortoise and used a furniture slide where her left front leg used to be. She got around fine. I think your guy will have an easier time because it's in the rear......Hang in hon, he'll be fine and a very special animal....
but I'd get rid of the wheel and glue a furniture slide in that place. It works so much easier than a wheel....
 
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Shawnarose

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I am so glad I found this forum! My baby hermen tortoise is going threw the same thing...has a cut on back right leg that’s infected and they say if it gets worse they will have to amputate...shes on antibiotics rite now,so I’m praying they work.


What is some stuff you tried while she had the cut?
I’ve been doing pedialtye baths and baby food soaks..keeping the cut clean and the antibiotics is there anything else I can do to help?
 

Kadels

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We did antibiotics and kept the area clean, but still had to amputate. Chuck Norris is 3.5 years post-amputation, and thriving.
 

Kadels

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No. She wore it (when she wanted to) for about the first year. Then she outgrew it. The vet came to the house to check things out and said, since she does so well without it, she is fine without a new one. I think she couldn't really rest with it on.
 

Big Charlie

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No. She wore it (when she wanted to) for about the first year. Then she outgrew it. The vet came to the house to check things out and said, since she does so well without it, she is fine without a new one. I think she couldn't really rest with it on.
That's great. It's better she can get along without it. So many things that could go wrong with a prosthesis.
 

Ray--Opo

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Wow how did I miss this post until today. I cried thru the whole thing. I am happy it has turned out. It was kind of personal for me.
Tell Chuck Norris you know a member here that is missing a leg at the knee and part of a arm both on the right side.
Tell her when I go swimming. I swim in circles.
Let me know if she laughs :):):)
 

Opal

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You're a GREAT mom to Chucketa Noris!
What a terrible emotional ordeal, all of you are going through!..
let alone the expense and the time...
Thank God, you found this certified reptile vet to help her!
My thoughts are with you and Chucketa Noris... She's beautiful!!
Keep Us posted!
 

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