Jesse Hummel
Member
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2014
- Messages
- 8
I just read a closed thread and first was relieved to find the same thing I'm experiencing with my tortoise, Rocket. I had got him end of July and just like other people followed the recommendations to have the set up ready with florescent UV, the acidic moss I just read about for humidity.
The left eye does open but the Right eye has not opened for 2 days Both were swollen and tearing prior. The vet diagnosed URI, Rocket also had bubbles from his nostrils, and the day of the appointment began raspy breathing.
Three shots, increase temperature and plenty of water available, kept fresh with multiple changes, in the wet end of his waterland medium land tub. I controlled the temperature by using a nocturnal red heat bulb, no UV, The UV florescent tube was in the middle area while his sleeping area was relatively free of UV exposure.
His breathing cleared, his energy was up, apatite up, everything was good and I felt like I did a great job in knowing what to look for with URI and getting him to the vet as soon as I suspected he may have it. I put the lighting back to the original set up and unknowingly exposed my tortoise to radiation.
The past 6 days has been a rapid downward spiral. He spent the majority of his time in the water. I thought he was rehydrating after being sick, unfortunately the water was the only area without UV.
The past few days he stopped eating, hasn't opened one of his eyes, lethargic, and as of today belly crawling. Early when I saw the swelling return I noticed he would perk up and open his eyes during his outdoor time. Today I noticed that he is startled when he comes in contact with object or I touch him. I assume this is because is left eye although open is mostly blind. I check this and found that majority of the time he does not see my finger waving by his open eye, but when I touch him under the chin he has a strong startled reaction. Although I haven't had him long Rocket and I developed a strong bond to the point where he would crawl into my lap when I joined him on the floor. The startled spooky tortoise I have now is not Rocket's normal self.
I have corrected the lighting and I know it will take possible 3 days till the swelling goes down. My concerns are the long term effects of the radiation exposure.
I estimate he's been exposed 5 weeks, 3 prior to the antibiotics and modified condition for recovery lasting 2 weeks, then 2 weeks to current.
If anyone has any thoughts on what kind of recovery please share. I’m hoping for 100%.
The left eye does open but the Right eye has not opened for 2 days Both were swollen and tearing prior. The vet diagnosed URI, Rocket also had bubbles from his nostrils, and the day of the appointment began raspy breathing.
Three shots, increase temperature and plenty of water available, kept fresh with multiple changes, in the wet end of his waterland medium land tub. I controlled the temperature by using a nocturnal red heat bulb, no UV, The UV florescent tube was in the middle area while his sleeping area was relatively free of UV exposure.
His breathing cleared, his energy was up, apatite up, everything was good and I felt like I did a great job in knowing what to look for with URI and getting him to the vet as soon as I suspected he may have it. I put the lighting back to the original set up and unknowingly exposed my tortoise to radiation.
The past 6 days has been a rapid downward spiral. He spent the majority of his time in the water. I thought he was rehydrating after being sick, unfortunately the water was the only area without UV.
The past few days he stopped eating, hasn't opened one of his eyes, lethargic, and as of today belly crawling. Early when I saw the swelling return I noticed he would perk up and open his eyes during his outdoor time. Today I noticed that he is startled when he comes in contact with object or I touch him. I assume this is because is left eye although open is mostly blind. I check this and found that majority of the time he does not see my finger waving by his open eye, but when I touch him under the chin he has a strong startled reaction. Although I haven't had him long Rocket and I developed a strong bond to the point where he would crawl into my lap when I joined him on the floor. The startled spooky tortoise I have now is not Rocket's normal self.
I have corrected the lighting and I know it will take possible 3 days till the swelling goes down. My concerns are the long term effects of the radiation exposure.
I estimate he's been exposed 5 weeks, 3 prior to the antibiotics and modified condition for recovery lasting 2 weeks, then 2 weeks to current.
If anyone has any thoughts on what kind of recovery please share. I’m hoping for 100%.