Last month I posted about how my 19 year old male T. kleinmanni passed in a matter of 2 weeks. I was devastated, as it was my favorite and having him for so many years. I still do not know the actual cause of death and its too late now.
I have since found a more competent veterinarian thanks to a member's recommendation of a site. A few days ago, my wife and I noticed something very unusual regarding one of our remaining 2 tortoises. The male was dragging his hind legs as he tried to walk around in his enclosure. I looked at him and found no signs of injuries. He has feelings and can move his limbs, but not for walking purposes. Obviously, this behavior scared me and I called the vet clinic and scheduled for a visit the following morning.
He's been active, but not as active as he was just afew days earlier. Before, he would literally pounce on the greens when he sees fresh food being brought. Now he has shown no interest in the food and just waddles away dragging his rear legs. I have placed them in a new enclosure that is 6x2, with a hidden "home" and 3 basket homes used for hiding. They are kept on paper towels with some hay grass liberally added. I feed them store-bought organic salads mixed with oxbow's critical care supplement and Fluker's calcium (phosphorus free). I have 3 lamps... one is a ceramic heat emitter, then 2 UVA/UVB Reptiglo lamps (bought last month). I sprayed them with water during feeding time and make sure their food is nice and moist to ensure water intake.
Now, at the Vet... she immediately took several radiographs. The radiographs did not show anything unusual, no blockages detected. She did mention that the front limbs (humerus) show signs of hyper-calcification but no where else. I looked at the radiographs closer and saw little opaque specs which I thought might be calcium that he's been fed. The vet said that she does not entirely know what they were but could be the supplements in the GI track. In addition, blood work was taken to check whats going.
While at the Vet, both of my tortoises have had RNS. I thought while we're there, to have it treated again. She prescribed oral Baytril which I am syringe feeding the sick male and my wife has a way of feeding the shy female with her food.
In the next few days, I should hear back from the Vet regarding the blood work. Currently, it is day #3 that the male has not eaten or shown interest in eating. During the day, I took him outside as it was sunny and he walked around dragging his rear limbs in the grass. However, in the evening, he would not open his eyes and just remain very lethargic. I have soaked him for 15-20 minutes only to see him sleeping in the water bowl without much movement. I am starting to worry now... its amazing how quickly they can get sick. Its as if they had an on-off switch :-( Advise or thoughts on what could possibly be going on would be appreciated!
I have since found a more competent veterinarian thanks to a member's recommendation of a site. A few days ago, my wife and I noticed something very unusual regarding one of our remaining 2 tortoises. The male was dragging his hind legs as he tried to walk around in his enclosure. I looked at him and found no signs of injuries. He has feelings and can move his limbs, but not for walking purposes. Obviously, this behavior scared me and I called the vet clinic and scheduled for a visit the following morning.
He's been active, but not as active as he was just afew days earlier. Before, he would literally pounce on the greens when he sees fresh food being brought. Now he has shown no interest in the food and just waddles away dragging his rear legs. I have placed them in a new enclosure that is 6x2, with a hidden "home" and 3 basket homes used for hiding. They are kept on paper towels with some hay grass liberally added. I feed them store-bought organic salads mixed with oxbow's critical care supplement and Fluker's calcium (phosphorus free). I have 3 lamps... one is a ceramic heat emitter, then 2 UVA/UVB Reptiglo lamps (bought last month). I sprayed them with water during feeding time and make sure their food is nice and moist to ensure water intake.
Now, at the Vet... she immediately took several radiographs. The radiographs did not show anything unusual, no blockages detected. She did mention that the front limbs (humerus) show signs of hyper-calcification but no where else. I looked at the radiographs closer and saw little opaque specs which I thought might be calcium that he's been fed. The vet said that she does not entirely know what they were but could be the supplements in the GI track. In addition, blood work was taken to check whats going.
While at the Vet, both of my tortoises have had RNS. I thought while we're there, to have it treated again. She prescribed oral Baytril which I am syringe feeding the sick male and my wife has a way of feeding the shy female with her food.
In the next few days, I should hear back from the Vet regarding the blood work. Currently, it is day #3 that the male has not eaten or shown interest in eating. During the day, I took him outside as it was sunny and he walked around dragging his rear limbs in the grass. However, in the evening, he would not open his eyes and just remain very lethargic. I have soaked him for 15-20 minutes only to see him sleeping in the water bowl without much movement. I am starting to worry now... its amazing how quickly they can get sick. Its as if they had an on-off switch :-( Advise or thoughts on what could possibly be going on would be appreciated!
