Blockage - Please Help

[j156ghs]

The passageway that carries air into the tortoise's lungs is very small compared to the passageway that carries the food and liquid into the stomach. Its not as easy to aspirate liquid into a tortoise's lungs as it is with a bird or mammal.

Thanks for adding to the knowledge base.

 

[coldskyline]

Herman hasn't come out of his home today... He's up but seems to have no interest in leaving. I'm really worried- should I try to force him out or just let him be?

 

[Torty Mom]

I would get him up and put him out in the warm sunshine.

 

[coldskyline]

I'm trying to get him out but it's so hard. Ugh!!! I thought he was doing better

 

[Torty Mom]

I am so sorry! hang in there!

 

[coldskyline]

He bobbs his head when he breathes... Do you think that's a bad sign?

 

[ascott]

Keep him motivated.....they can tend to give up a bit when they are not feeling well....in my opinion.

Some sun time may revitalise him a bit....

Bobbing? like when they are challenging each other, or a in and out type laboring along with his legs moving in and out?

 

[coldskyline]

No his legs aren't moving in and out. I pushed on his front legs to make sure there was still a strong amount of air that would come out and there was. I pulled him more towards the front of his house and now he's sticking his head out more but still doesn't seem to want to come out. It's SO difficult for me to force anything with him- I just really hurt my back even with just that. I'm going to try again in a minute but I'm hoping he will walk out at this point on his own...

 

[ascott]

Oh honey I hope so too...... keep us posted

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as hard as it may seem....try not to despair, try your best to stay positive...it puts out good energy....

 

[coldskyline]

I got him out! Also, when he was finally all the way out I noticed the inside of his home was a bit wet so I think he must have peed or pooped in there!

 

[ascott]

YAAAAAYYYYYY!! You go girl

(pull with your legs, not your back..... )

 

[Jacqui]

Now that he is out, what is he doing?

 

[coldskyline]

He walked about 30-40 feet over to his normal 'hang out'spot and is sitting in the sun. I'm inside now heating the water for his bath. He seems thirsty.

 

[Torty Mom]

Yay, glad you got him out. I couldn't imagine trying to move around a 100 lbs.

Do you have any canned pumpkin to put in his bath?

 

[AshleyJones]

Where are you located? Any chance you are in AZ? If so I could come over and help you since your only one person.

 

[coldskyline]

Herman is in his bath and keeps dunking his whole head to drink, including his nose./. Why?! I'm scared he will drown !

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No I wish I'm in la/Ventura area. Thanks for the thought though!

So I kept pulling herman's head out of the water (it was going into his nose) and he finally blew it out of his nostrils. I pushed on his front legs to make sure it was all out and it is.... OMG why is he acting so weird today???

 

[dmmj]

don't be scared that is how they drink, leave him alone when he is drinking, they often stay under there for a while.

 

[Torty Mom]

Yes, that's how they drink! Don't worry! I know it's hard!! I did the same thing the first time I saw one of mine drink!

 

[coldskyline]

No, I've seen him drink for the last 20 years of his life and he's never sucked water through his nose to drink.

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But he's been drinking everyday and never sucked it through his nose

 

[dmmj]

No, I've seen him drink for the last 20 years of his life and he's never sucked water through his nose to drink.

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But he's been drinking everyday and never sucked it through his nose

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I am not trying to argue but they drink through their nose.