Hello! So, I just adopted an 11-year-old male Sulcata tortoise. I have noticed that his right front foot bends under when walking. As if he is walking on the top of his wrists, I don’t see any visible injury. Does anyone know what this could be? I’m trying to attach a video but I think it’s not allowed. I took a screenshot of the positioning of his feet and walking. Any thoughts would be so appreciated! I am quickly trying to give him the best life.
Sulcata feet question
- Thread starter Reva
- Start date
Thank you!
Could be several things: Birth defect, old injury, or possibly someone kept him long-term on a slippery surface causing his gait to shift. Impossible at this point to pinpoint the exact reason.
Thank you for your response. Do you think there’s anything I could do, or should do, to help this?
If it were me, and this tort was one I recently adopted, I'd take it to the vet for x-rays and for the simple reason of getting established by a vet. I'd love to see a video of it. Are you able to upload the video to YouTube and link to it in the comments?
I’ve never uploaded to YouTube, but I can try!
I did it!
I see what you mean. Doesn't seem to be bothering him, so I suspect it's been going on for a while. I'd have a vet take a look at that for you.
Thank you! I also tried to flex it into a proper position and that doesn’t seem to hurt him either. I’ve tried to hold it in proper form while walking, and he can take steps while I’m holding it, and doesn’t seem to mind. I was also wondering if maybe his toenails were too long so he didn’t have clearance. But I’m unsure. And I cannot find anything for the life of me that will trim his nails! I ordered a special grinder and it won’t even touch it!
Toenails came to mind when I viewed your video, but I couldn't tell how long they were. I have special clippers I use on mine, but my hands shake too much anymore for me to do it myself. lol. If the problem derived from an old condition or injury, then the way he's walking might be learned behavior. Everything that comes to mind at this point would be pure speculation though. Would be nice to know some of his history and how he was kept before you came around.
I don’t know much of his history! I was told he was 11 years old, though that I’m even unsure of that because he’s quite large. I plan to try to get him weighed this weekend. And from the front to back of his shell is at least 2 feet. Where I picked him up from was a small backyard with dirt and artificial turf. Also quite steep. He isn’t fond of very many foods either. I’m hoping his appetite picks up. For example, this morning he’s eaten about a third of a zucchini and just about a handful of kale. That’s all. Have yet to been able to see him drink and I’ve had him for about a week now. I guess my best bet is to get into a vet. Thank you for all your insight! I just want to Do right by him.Toenails came to mind when I viewed your video, but I couldn't tell how long they were. I have special clippers I use on mine, but my hands shake too much anymore for me to do it myself. lol. If the problem derived from an old condition or injury, then the way he's walking might be learned behavior. Everything that comes to mind at this point would be pure speculation though. Would be nice to know some of his history and how he was kept before you came around.
It takes them a while to acclimate to a new environment. The fact that he's eating at all is great! Here's Toms care sheet for sulcatas: https://tortoiseforum.org/threads/the-best-way-to-raise-a-sulcata-leopard-or-star-tortoise.181497/ . Hopefully you get a good sense of dietary, housing, and temperature needs. He's certainly a good looking tort. Appears to be at least somewhat well cared for despite the environmental things you pointed out from his previous owner. He'll need a lot of space to roam around in and graze. Best diet for them is fresh (untreated) grass and safe weeds. Might be good to offer him some hay and see if he'll take to it. As for the drinking aspect, it's good to keep fresh water available for him, though you may never actually see him drink. Even when they do, they are very subtle about it. Happy torting!
Thank you for the care sheet! I’m glad to hear that Maybe it’s possible he’s just still acclimating. I have a kitty pool available to him and a large glass punch bowl so he has options lol for water. He has about a half acre to roam and tons of grass and weeds! Maybe he’s grazing and I’m not catching it. That makes me feel better. This weekend his house should be finished and I will fill it with hay! He’s currently sleeping in the garage to stay warm and safe from any predators.Thank you so much. I’m sure I’ll be back for more insight! I just want him to be happy.This forum is great!
Attachments
He is putting weight on it...I'm thinking that's part of not being cared for correctly...make sure he can get into something to soak...I'm glad he's out there now...'possibly' all that graze and walking around, the problem with fix itself...oh...are his toe nails long maybe? Good job, on the rescue!
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Does the top open? This is my tort shed...see the door...it's got strips hanging down and it keeps out the flys and keeps the heat in, and the cold out
His house needs something like that
His house needs something like that
I love that. We are putting a full door on so he can be safe and warm and locked in for the night. There are coyotes where we live so not taking any chances over night!
I think his toe nails may be long. Some up to an inch. I tried a drimmel with zero luck! Wouldn’t even shave them down a bit. I was thinking maybe his foot couldn’t get clearance on that side possibly causing the bend. I need to find a new tool for this job! Thank you for any input on this guy! Quickly trying to provide him with an awesome life
I think his toe nails may be long. Some up to an inch. I tried a drimmel with zero luck! Wouldn’t even shave them down a bit. I was thinking maybe his foot couldn’t get clearance on that side possibly causing the bend. I need to find a new tool for this job! Thank you for any input on this guy! Quickly trying to provide him with an awesome life
You said you have tried holding the foot in the correct position, and that it doesn't seem to cause pain that way, right? Could the ligament, that holds it in that position normally, have been torn/disconnected, so there is nothing that can pull the toes up for a normal step?
Are there any scars on that leg? Anything that might indicate the leg or foot was caught somewhere (like a rock trapped it), or that something attacked and pulled on it, or that it got stepped on?
Are there any scars on that leg? Anything that might indicate the leg or foot was caught somewhere (like a rock trapped it), or that something attacked and pulled on it, or that it got stepped on?
That actually seems plausible. I see no visible injury currently and I have zero idea about what he’s been through until I adopted him last week. I wonder how old this injury could be and it it’s fixable. It does appear like he just can’t lift it up.
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