BIG PROBLEM RAPTH pics

[PeanutbuttER]

Get a black light bulb for night time heat : Since we're close to each other I think you'll be able to find them the same places I can. Check out the dollar stores first, then hit up the "party-supply" stores. They've usually got a couple. Plus if you can find it at a dollar store, then it's only a buck and it's the same basic thing you'll get at K-mart.

How is the sick little leo doing today? Update?

 

[exoticsdr]

Lea,

was it a reptile vet with tort experience or a run-of-the-mill vet?

Just curious as to what your definition of a run-of-the-mill vet is?
hahaha. Would one have to have tortoise experience to NOT be considered run-of-the-mill? Peanut, you crack me up.

 

[zoogrl]

Let's not worry about what choice "should've" been made where this baby & owner are concerned. We should be giving advice in a way that can help them both now and in future decisions. Hatchlings are fragile and not always recommended for beginners, however the choice was made and they are in trouble and need helpful advice. I knew that hatchlings were fragile yet I chose to get one as a beginner and have done very well. I know that it's hard to get a "tone" from a written message but hope that Lea knows that everyone here is passionate about tortoises and their people & we only want to help. Lea I am a beginner but do know(thanks to others on the forum) that double checking temps, baby food soaks and communication with your vet are important at this stage. If you aren't able to financially treat the tortoise, sometimes if you talk to your vet they can give you advice on something else you can do. Ask the receptionist or the vet tech if you can just talk to the dr when he or she is free. They are required to offer the best medicine for the patient but sometimes the budget doesn't allow for that. This doesn't mean you are a bad pet owner, just means that you and your vet need to communicate and work on a different plan that could still help. Please keep us posted on the progress with this baby, I will say a prayer for you both.

 

[LeaCrystal]

I already have took him to the vet last thursday. We went in to give the stool sample(which by the way no parasites) and she did a quick look at him this afternoon and has told me that because he hadnt eatin in so long that blood in the first stool isnt a serious problem. If it was consistant it would be. But it was only the first stool after not eatting or pooping in a week. I now have a vet apt friday at 330. She said she see's progression in his behavior, strength, ect. i'll just keep posting updates on his health if you request it. By the way. i have a infrared heat lamp for night due to the fact i live with no heater and it gets 45F and below. Stays about 75-85 on both sides. Thanks.

 

[Floof]

Lea,

was it a reptile vet with tort experience or a run-of-the-mill vet?

Just curious as to what your definition of a run-of-the-mill vet is?
hahaha. Would one have to have tortoise experience to NOT be considered run-of-the-mill? Peanut, you crack me up.

I believe he meant "run-of-the-mill" as in a regular dog & cat vet that has neither the training or knowledge to service reptiles, as opposed to a vet that has experience and education in treating reptiles. Even better if she can get to one that has experience with tortoises specifically, since they seem to be a slightly more unique and certainly less commonly kept subset of reptiles than snakes and lizards. You could go to the best snake vet in the country.. But they aren't necessarily going to have any real know-how on how to treat your fragile tortoise hatchling.

At least, that's my interpretation of Peanut's comment.

LeaCrystal, you and Rapth are in my thoughts. I sincerely hope it's not too late.

I have to admit I am in agreement with those who have said you should avoid getting a "replacement" tortoise if Rapth doesn't make it. Even beside the financial difficulties that come with baby tortoises, it's often, in a way, more fulfilling to focus on the animals you have for awhile, to simply enjoy them and make sure they're doing well, before you jump, again, into the exciting whirlwind of getting another new pet--especially with how emotionally taxing your experience with Rapth has already been, and the possibility of another tort from the same breeder being equally sickly. You can always get another tort later on, when your finances can better support emergency vet bills and expensive supplies.

 

[LeaCrystal]

I'll only say it one last time...

I AM NOT GETTING ANOTHER TORTOISE. I ASKED FOR A REFUND ALREADY.

I just want to keep the ones i have and keep him alive. Me and my brother are gonna save him okay. So please stop telling me not to get another cause im not. I already learned that memo like yesterday or this afternoon. I cant remember lol. **nothing in this message is meant to be rude** everyone jsut keeps repeating eachother when i have already said i asked for refund i think lol

 

[Torty Mom]

Lea, I don't think everyone reads all the answers, that's why you keep hearing it again. Don't worry, just keep that little guy super warm and follow the advice that was given, most of them DO know what they are talking about.

How come you don't have a heater?

 

[LeaCrystal]

well they keep saying. just like others said... then they repeat it lol so i was trying to get mine noticed lol. but im not sure why the stupid landlord rents out a apt without heating or air conditioner lol. I heard its illegal but my brother is on the lease and dont seem to care so... not much i can do. lol i just sleep with my electric blanket. its nice to not have to warm up your bed to sleep lol but ya...

---

I never said they dont know what they are talking about. But telling me to not get another right now kinda makes me angry but then talking with my husband and brother decided it was a right decision to just keep trying with this sick man and not give up. He deserves to live but everyone made me feel like i dont deserve him anyways even though i did take him in to a vet, i did call them as soon as i saw things happen, i did rescedule apt, and so on

 

[Torty Mom]

I am so sorry to hear that! I'm sure the landlord can get into big trouble!! Do you at least have a fireplace that can heat up the house a bit? I hope so!!

 

[LeaCrystal]

I am so sorry to hear that! I'm sure the landlord can get into big trouble!! Do you at least have a fireplace that can heat up the house a bit? I hope so!!

actually no. i wear my coat 24/7 or wrap in blankets. my brother uses electric heater in his room but i dont want to hike the bill so i just suffer.

 

[Torty Mom]

Crap that totally sucks....

 

[LeaCrystal]

Crap that totally sucks....

oh i know lol but i live

 

[LeaCrystal]

lol so many topics i know. so you can tell a tort is blind by pretending to poking at his eye but not really to see if he flinches/tucks in?

 

[PeanutbuttER]

Lea,

was it a reptile vet with tort experience or a run-of-the-mill vet?

Just curious as to what your definition of a run-of-the-mill vet is?
hahaha. Would one have to have tortoise experience to NOT be considered run-of-the-mill? Peanut, you crack me up.

I believe he meant "run-of-the-mill" as in a regular dog & cat vet that has neither the training or knowledge to service reptiles, as opposed to a vet that has experience and education in treating reptiles. Even better if she can get to one that has experience with tortoises specifically, since they seem to be a slightly more unique and certainly less commonly kept subset of reptiles than snakes and lizards. You could go to the best snake vet in the country.. But they aren't necessarily going to have any real know-how on how to treat your fragile tortoise hatchling.

At least, that's my interpretation of Peanut's comment.

Exactly what I meant. This probably isn't something most dog and cat vets have much experience with so I was just checking to see if she'd seen a vet with at least reptile experience or not.

I am glad to crack you up exotics . By the way, what's your opinion of this whole situation?

 

[exoticsdr]

I've been following this thread very closely and I think this young lady has heard it all......I know I have. Hope the little one does well.

As for the "run-of-the-mill" comment, I knew exactly what you meant and was just picking at you a little for your choice of words. No offense meant, just trying to have some fun with a future medical professional.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Crystal:

I'm not sure if you're telling us that the vet saw your tortoise yesterday afternoon just to get us off your back, or if it really was true. If your vet really DID see your baby yesterday afternoon, then it is time for you to find a new vet. If all of us "amateurs" (please excuse this, Dr. Todd...not meant for you) here on the forum could see that the baby has septicemia, then a vet, reptile or not, would surely be able to recognize that the baby is VERY SICK and is going to die unless that septicemia is treated immediately. Treatment should be started NOW...not Friday, or the baby is going to die.

 

[Laura]

75' is not warm enough for a sick baby.. can you put him in a small room and get a heater? bathroom?
You can put on more socks and coats... but your tortoises cant...

 

[PeanutbuttER]

I've been following this thread very closely and I think this young lady has heard it all......I know I have. Hope the little one does well.

As for the "run-of-the-mill" comment, I knew exactly what you meant and was just picking at you a little for your choice of words. No offense meant, just trying to have some fun with a future medical professional.

Oh good, I read your comment and I was worried that you had taken offense. I of course meant no offense either. I'm glad to have gotten your opinion on this too.

Leacrystal, any update on Rapth?

 

[Millerlite]

cant let these threads or comments get to you, we can only hope for the best. Very interesting to keep up on though, lol

 

[LeaCrystal]

Septicemia... is this contagious? just askin