Calcium Tablets.

[Gillian M]

Hi all. After a lot of search for cuttle bone as well as calcium powder for my Greek tort, in vain, a pharmacist who was trying to be of help, suggested that I buy calcium tablets and grind one, so as to make it powder, then put it on my tort's food. He even showed me different types, one of which is: CALCITRA, CALCIUM CITRATE. There are also the chewable tabs.

Would this make sense, or work? I have NOT yet tried it: the gentleman is a pharmacist not a vet, and is another person who has got NOTHING to do with animals/pets, like over 90% of the population here. But he was kind enough to help.

Anyone's help here would be highly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[dmmj]

as long as calcium with no additives or flavorings I don't see a problem with it

 

[Gillian M]

as long as calcium with no additives or flavorings I don't see a problem with it

Alright, and thanks your prompt reply.

 

[wellington]

I have read on here where even tums type calcium is used.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi all. After a lot of search for cuttle bone as well as calcium powder for my Greek tort, in vain, a pharmacist who was trying to be of help, suggested that I buy calcium tablets and grind one, so as to make it powder, then put it on my tort's food. He even showed me different types, one of which is: CALCITRA, CALCIUM CITRATE. There are also the chewable tabs.

Would this make sense, or work? I have NOT yet tried it: the gentleman is a pharmacist not a vet, and is another person who has got NOTHING to do with animals/pets, like over 90% of the population here. But he was kind enough to help.

Anyone's help here would be highly appreciated. Thank you.

Because my two Aldabran tortoises had early onset MBD and I didn't notice it until it started to affect them adversely, I feed my Aldabran tortoises human calcium. Because they live outside, I buy the tablets without d3. The picture in my avatar is how I administer the tablets. I punch a hole in a piece of fruit, in this case, a peach, then insert the tablet into the fruit and feed it to the tortoise on a skewer.

 

[deadheadvet]

If the tortoises are in a correct diet, there likely is no need for supplementation. Remember that calcium is absorbed through the gut due to the mechanism of Sunshine Vit D7>D3> 1,25 dhydroxycholecalciferol, with this pathway. Bottom line is UV is responsible for correct absorption of calcium. If you supplement w/ calcium and there is no natural or synthetic UV. The calcium will not be absorbed. Prepared diets and dark leafy vegetables will provide enough calcium if these animals are outside during the strong UV seasons. Can't remember the last time I added calcium to my tortoises' diet.

 

[kathyth]

If you use the tablets, consider that the tablets are dosed for adult weight.

 

[Yvonne G]

@deadheadvet - I mention the calcium/sun/UVbulb thing frequently. May I have your permission to copy/paste your "pathway" statement from now on?

 

[Gillian M]

Because my two Aldabran tortoises had early onset MBD and I didn't notice it until it started to affect them adversely, I feed my Aldabran tortoises human calcium. Because they live outside, I buy the tablets without d3. The picture in my avatar is how I administer the tablets. I punch a hole in a piece of fruit, in this case, a peach, then insert the tablet into the fruit and feed it to the tortoise on a skewer.

Hi Yvonne and thanks very much your help. Appreciate it.

I am going to give it a try, hopefully tomorrow: Oli's in deep sleep now. What about grinding the tablet?

 

[Gillian M]

If the tortoises are in a correct diet, there likely is no need for supplementation. Remember that calcium is absorbed through the gut due to the mechanism of Sunshine Vit D7>D3> 1,25 dhydroxycholecalciferol, with this pathway. Bottom line is UV is responsible for correct absorption of calcium. If you supplement w/ calcium and there is no natural or synthetic UV. The calcium will not be absorbed. Prepared diets and dark leafy vegetables will provide enough calcium if these animals are outside during the strong UV seasons. Can't remember the last time I added calcium to my tortoises' diet.

That is the main problem: Oli's diet is anything but correct. There is no cuttle bone/fish here and poor Oli only eats lettuce, tomatoes and has recently been eating cooked carrots. I know it is not the right diet but I'm afraid I have had no other choice whatsoever.

 

[Gillian M]

If you use the tablets, consider that the tablets are dosed for adult weight.

Of course I will.

 

[Gillian M]

@deadheadvet - I mention the calcium/sun/UVbulb thing frequently. May I have your permission to copy/paste your "pathway" statement from now on?

One thing I am sure of: my tort sees enough sun here, and striking sun at times.

 

[Gillian M]

I have bought the calcium tablets. Should I give Oli the tab with a fruit, or grind it so as to convert it into powder?

Appreciate an answer, thank you everyone.

 

[deadheadvet]

You can use my pathway info for sure.
Crushed egg shell is another alternative for calcium, easy enough to get I would think.

 

[Gillian M]

You can use my pathway info for sure.
Crushed egg shell is another alternative for calcium, easy enough to get I would think.

Thank you.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

There is some supplement in your package ...............if you ever get it.

 

[Gillian M]

There is some supplement in your package ...............if you ever get it.

Thanks Ed! Will PM you right away.

 

[pdrobber]

If the tortoises are in a correct diet, there likely is no need for supplementation. Remember that calcium is absorbed through the gut due to the mechanism of Sunshine Vit D7>D3> 1,25 dihyroxycholecalciferol, with this pathway. Bottom line is UV is responsible for correct absorption of calcium. If you supplement w/ calcium and there is no natural or synthetic UV, the calcium will not be absorbed. Prepared diets and dark leafy vegetables will provide enough calcium if these animals are outside during the strong UV seasons. Can't remember the last time I added calcium to my tortoises' diet.

Say an adult Sulcata is rescued from years of poor diet and lighting. What effect would supplementing with calcium carbonate and vitamin D3 cholecalciferol have if added to a corrected diet and synthetic UV?