911 need advice

Pahtli23

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Oct 8, 2020
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Hi all . So I took BBY YOLLI today to a suppose sulcata specialist. Everything he told me contradicted all the info Ive learned here from the post popular discussions, from keeping two bby sulcatas together to interactions with hatchlings. As well he gave me a website that contradicts a lot of the stuff posted here. Ill share the website. Anyways I thought BBY YOLLI had a RI infection bc I his nose was clogged up I couldnt see his nostrils and he was squeaking here and there. So I up the humidity to about 70-80 and kept the tank at 90. it helped alot as I saw major improvements and his nostroils were cleared up . Of coarse having this appointment made already for today I decided to go. He said Yolli was healthy and fine. He did some test as far as testing limps and check shell hardness and stomach and said everything was fine. Well today at 11pm I heard a loud squeak from the tank. Immediately ran to check on Yolli. he was opening his mouth and even looking up at me for help so I took him out of the enclosure and all of sudden he went completely limp as he was dying his eyes were wide open and limpness . I started crying and almost gave up bc he looked dead. I decided to give him a warm bath and he slowly came back, he wasnt keeping his head up and I had to hold his shell to keep him from potentially letting his head sink in for too long. Right now hes resting in his enclosure. Im not sure if he is going to make it. But advice asap would be appreciated . I have humidity at 50-70 with it at 85 right now since the CHE night lamp is on. I feed him nopal and clovers and tortoise food from the pet store flunkers buffet feed. Im beyond mad as I feel like this VET didnt really know what he was talking about. Heres the website he gave me that has different info.

 

pcrealty

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The basic soaking permits the tortoise to rehydrate. In addition, I refill the water dishes 2-3 times a day. The basking heat and UV lamps provides energy to the tortoise. Fresh cucumbers, chopped up, also has lots of water content. Was the tortoise captive bred or wild caught. Wild caught tortoises may have parasites and their shells are imperfect caused by living in the wild. If condition persists, get a second opinion from another reptile DR.
 

Blackdog1714

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please read this thread for Heat, Humidity and light requirements. It is curated by Tom
 

pcrealty

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please read this thread for Heat, Humidity and light requirements. It is curated by Tom
Thank you for the in-depth website suggestions. The main reason for the soaking is for rehydration. We often see the tortoise enjoy drinking the warm water by sipping it several times. The second main reason is that we control the excretions in the enclosure, our tortoise are just about toilet trained. After the excretions, we let it have a good rinse under the faucet in warm water followed by drying them. Finally, the tortoises are allowed to walk around for about 30 minutes and then bask under the lamps to re-energize. Both enclosures are thermostatically controlled. Fresh vegetables are placed in their dishes for additional rehydration. I will review the other important suggestion, thank you!
 

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Tom

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Hi all . So I took BBY YOLLI today to a suppose sulcata specialist. Everything he told me contradicted all the info Ive learned here from the post popular discussions, from keeping two bby sulcatas together to interactions with hatchlings. As well he gave me a website that contradicts a lot of the stuff posted here. Ill share the website. Anyways I thought BBY YOLLI had a RI infection bc I his nose was clogged up I couldnt see his nostrils and he was squeaking here and there. So I up the humidity to about 70-80 and kept the tank at 90. it helped alot as I saw major improvements and his nostroils were cleared up . Of coarse having this appointment made already for today I decided to go. He said Yolli was healthy and fine. He did some test as far as testing limps and check shell hardness and stomach and said everything was fine. Well today at 11pm I heard a loud squeak from the tank. Immediately ran to check on Yolli. he was opening his mouth and even looking up at me for help so I took him out of the enclosure and all of sudden he went completely limp as he was dying his eyes were wide open and limpness . I started crying and almost gave up bc he looked dead. I decided to give him a warm bath and he slowly came back, he wasnt keeping his head up and I had to hold his shell to keep him from potentially letting his head sink in for too long. Right now hes resting in his enclosure. Im not sure if he is going to make it. But advice asap would be appreciated . I have humidity at 50-70 with it at 85 right now since the CHE night lamp is on. I feed him nopal and clovers and tortoise food from the pet store flunkers buffet feed. Im beyond mad as I feel like this VET didnt really know what he was talking about. Heres the website he gave me that has different info.

You've discovered first hand what we tell people here all the time. Most vets know very little about tortoise care. This vet linked you a bad, old, out-dated care sheet for a temperate desert species, instead of a care sheet for your tropical species that hatches during the hour wet humid monsoon season. That care sheet is full of bad info that will result in the death of a DT if followed. There was also some good info, but every other assertions was either false, or out-dated info.

Did the vet do a vitamin injection? The stress of transport could be part of the problem too. Babes don't handle it well.

The biggest indicator of how things are going to go for you is the source of your baby. What the breeder does, and does not do, makes all the difference in the world. Most breeders don't start them correctly. Often following the old incorrect care advice that your vet shared with you. Where did you get your baby? How long have you had it? What size (in grams) is it?

The link from Blackdog will give you the best results. That info was learned by doing countless experiments over the last 30 years, and by observing other keepers methods and results and conversing with them about all of this. I can guarantee your vet has never done any side-by-side husbandry method experiments.

May I have the vet's name and number. I'd like to call them and have a conversation to try and stop the spread of deadly misinformation. I'll be tactful and diplomatic, and I'll probably have another vet friend call first to break the ice. Chances are good that I know someone that also knows him or her. A peer, if you will. You can share it privately in a "conversation" if you'd prefer.
 

pcrealty

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91
Location (City and/or State)
Wynnewood
You've discovered first hand what we tell people here all the time. Most vets know very little about tortoise care. This vet linked you a bad, old, out-dated care sheet for a temperate desert species, instead of a care sheet for your tropical species that hatches during the hour wet humid monsoon season. That care sheet is full of bad info that will result in the death of a DT if followed. There was also some good info, but every other assertions was either false, or out-dated info.

Did the vet do a vitamin injection? The stress of transport could be part of the problem too. Babes don't handle it well.

The biggest indicator of how things are going to go for you is the source of your baby. What the breeder does, and does not do, makes all the difference in the world. Most breeders don't start them correctly. Often following the old incorrect care advice that your vet shared with you. Where did you get your baby? How long have you had it? What size (in grams) is it?

The link from Blackdog will give you the best results. That info was learned by doing countless experiments over the last 30 years, and by observing other keepers methods and results and conversing with them about all of this. I can guarantee your vet has never done any side-by-side husbandry method experiments.

May I have the vet's name and number. I'd like to call them and have a conversation to try and stop the spread of deadly misinformation. I'll be tactful and diplomatic, and I'll probably have another vet friend call first to break the ice. Chances are good that I know someone that also knows him or her. A peer, if you will. You can share it privately in a "conversation" if you'd prefer.
Agreed, as a Google website researcher, I try to get the common suggestions for beginners. Some information are wrong. I believe captive bred tortoises have less diseases, unlike wild caught tortoises are likely to have parasites, damaged shells and can be sickly. Many wild caught tortoises are imported from international countries and long distance shipping is stressful for them. So far so good on both my captive bred babies, it has been about ten months caring for them. In the USA, pet chain stores like Petco and Pet Smart sell wild caught reptiles because they are profitable, generally these reptiles are not so attractive, I recommend buying tortoises from a reputable private breeder.
 

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Tom

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Agreed, as a Google website researcher, I try to get the common suggestions for beginners. Some information are wrong. I believe captive bred tortoises have less diseases, unlike wild caught tortoises are likely to have parasites, damaged shells and can be sickly. Many wild caught tortoises are imported from international countries and long distance shipping is stressful for them. So far so good on both my captive bred babies, it has been about ten months caring for them. In the USA, pet chain stores like Petco and Pet Smart sell wild caught reptiles because they are profitable, generally these reptiles are not so attractive, I recommend buying tortoises from a reputable private breeder.
Unlike most of the people who "research" tortoise care on the internet, you seem to have found the correct info. I agree with each of your assertions here.
 

Pahtli23

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Joined
Oct 8, 2020
Messages
12
Location (City and/or State)
Los Ángeles
You've discovered first hand what we tell people here all the time. Most vets know very little about tortoise care. This vet linked you a bad, old, out-dated care sheet for a temperate desert species, instead of a care sheet for your tropical species that hatches during the hour wet humid monsoon season. That care sheet is full of bad info that will result in the death of a DT if followed. There was also some good info, but every other assertions was either false, or out-dated info.

Did the vet do a vitamin injection? The stress of transport could be part of the problem too. Babes don't handle it well.

The biggest indicator of how things are going to go for you is the source of your baby. What the breeder does, and does not do, makes all the difference in the world. Most breeders don't start them correctly. Often following the old incorrect care advice that your vet shared with you. Where did you get your baby? How long have you had it? What size (in grams) is it?

The link from Blackdog will give you the best results. That info was learned by doing countless experiments over the last 30 years, and by observing other keepers methods and results and conversing with them about all of this. I can guarantee your vet has never done any side-by-side husbandry method experiments.

May I have the vet's name and number. I'd like to call them and have a conversation to try and stop the spread of deadly misinformation. I'll be tactful and diplomatic, and I'll probably have another vet friend call first to break the ice. Chances are good that I know someone that also knows him or her. A peer, if you will. You can share it privately in a "conversation" if you'd prefer.
Yes I definitely agree with you Tom Ive probably spend at least 20 hrs on the forum since I've gotten BBY Yolli. I want to provide the best care possible. The vet told me things like handle them often so they are "socialize", they can live in pairs, and that a humidity of 50 was fine, all stuff I read here NOT to do. Luckily he didn't do anything to BBY Yolli but weight him. BBY Yolli is 42 grams and approx. 7 weeks old. His poop has been more on the runny side the past few days but still thick . Here in Los Angeles the temperatures have change from the high 80 to now low 70 high 68s. and at night it been getting close to 55 range. I keep the CHE night lamp on so the tank stays at 85. Today I gave Yolli am soak as I I wanted to get any congestion out. He seems much better than our scare last night. He ate a little and has just been sleeping and seems more sluggish.


I got my baby at a pet shop in East Los Angeles. ( looking back Im sure the women had no idea how to care it seems like they just try and sell them asap I feel like she could have even given me Yolli a little bit sick as he was never as active or energetic as the other one we got that was bigger and always active. I assume it was personality thing.
I got Yolli October 7th
Yolli weights 42 grams
Vets information:
Arcadia Animal Hospital
Dennis L. Fees DVM
(626) 447-2244

If you have any recommendations for a vet here over in the Los Angeles county area please let me know. Thank you! I appreciate your knowledge and experience.
 

Pahtli23

New Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2020
Messages
12
Location (City and/or State)
Los Ángeles
Agreed, as a Google website researcher, I try to get the common suggestions for beginners. Some information are wrong. I believe captive bred tortoises have less diseases, unlike wild caught tortoises are likely to have parasites, damaged shells and can be sickly. Many wild caught tortoises are imported from international countries and long distance shipping is stressful for them. So far so good on both my captive bred babies, it has been about ten months caring for them. In the USA, pet chain stores like Petco and Pet Smart sell wild caught reptiles because they are profitable, generally these reptiles are not so attractive, I recommend buying tortoises from a reputable private breeder.
Your babies are adorable .I agree I think they just sell them to make quick cash at pet stores .
 

pcrealty

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Your babies are adorable .I agree I think they just sell them to make quick cash at pet stores .
There is a bad Tortoise Dealer named" Tortoise Town. I ordered a male Eastern Hermann, paid extra money and I discovered it was a female eight months later and Tortoise Town would not refund me.
 

ZEROPILOT

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I have first hand experience with a tortoise that was in a coma like state and was thought to be dead.
She was totally limp and didn't respond to me pulling on her legs or even touching her wide open eyes with my finger.
Yet she recovered slowly afterwards and is 100% healthy today.
This was also after my vet did a battery of treatments.
Keep him/her warm. Out of the bright lights and if still very lethargic, place some vegetable baby food in the soak water for a nutrition boost.
 

Chefdenoel10

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Yes I definitely agree with you Tom Ive probably spend at least 20 hrs on the forum since I've gotten BBY Yolli. I want to provide the best care possible. The vet told me things like handle them often so they are "socialize", they can live in pairs, and that a humidity of 50 was fine, all stuff I read here NOT to do. Luckily he didn't do anything to BBY Yolli but weight him. BBY Yolli is 42 grams and approx. 7 weeks old. His poop has been more on the runny side the past few days but still thick . Here in Los Angeles the temperatures have change from the high 80 to now low 70 high 68s. and at night it been getting close to 55 range. I keep the CHE night lamp on so the tank stays at 85. Today I gave Yolli am soak as I I wanted to get any congestion out. He seems much better than our scare last night. He ate a little and has just been sleeping and seems more sluggish.


I got my baby at a pet shop in East Los Angeles. ( looking back Im sure the women had no idea how to care it seems like they just try and sell them asap I feel like she could have even given me Yolli a little bit sick as he was never as active or energetic as the other one we got that was bigger and always active. I assume it was personality thing.
I got Yolli October 7th
Yolli weights 42 grams
Vets information:
Arcadia Animal Hospital
Dennis L. Fees DVM
(626) 447-2244

If you have any recommendations for a vet here over in the Los Angeles county area please let me know. Thank you! I appreciate your knowledge and experience.

If you ever see stuff in his nose again, just a thought.... I purchased a “baby nose sucking thing” that sucks the snot out.
(don’t know what it’s called) and (Sorry for being gross). It came in handy on a pinch till the advice you got from the forum kicks in (raising the temps and humidity)... I couldn’t wait and felt really bad that stuff was in her nose. It started her breathing again sooner and the raised temps changed everything!!
good luck and I will keep you guys in my prayers! You are in the right place now.
God bless!!! ??❤️
 

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Pahtli23

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How is the tort?
BBY Yolli has gone to the spirit world. I'm heart broken. I felt like I did everything I could. I was fortunate to work from home yesterday so I was able to watch him all day. I later took him out because it was nice and sunny for 30 mins and he ate some clovers he seem pretty active and happy. In the morning he he seem still sick looking like he was going recover. I gave him his am soak made him a fresh salad: nopal, clovers, collard greens and tortoise pellet food that soak. Made sure his lights were correct I keep the tank at 89 with basking at 95. I hated being at work so i had a friend go over to see how BBY Yolli was doing she found him and face timed me. I immediately rushed home. Im heart broken. I dont know what to do with his precious tiny body. I miss holding him and his little quirky personality. IMG-3402.jpg
 

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pcrealty

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Unfortunately reptiles under captivity have shorter life spans, sorry for your loss.
 

Pahtli23

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That's very sad and very unusual that he'd have the energy to eat one day and then die the next.
Keep him warm for at least 24 hours before burial. Just to be sure he's gone.
His body is very limp and I his eyes where open when my friend found him . His eyes have already begun to have that glassy sulking look ?, He is also cold. Im certain he is gone
 
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