Constipated tortoise

[avasims]

Thanks Karen...
My Vet prescribed Linzess, a human laxative, I used the dosage prescribed by her. Also I took a syringe without the needle, and injected Mineral Oil into his cloaca, just to lube the area. I don't remember the Linzess dosage, but I do remember that 1 dosage of Linzess did the trick. But because it is a human laxative my suggestion would be to follow a Veterinarians advice on the dosage for your particular tortoise

hello! i’m in very much need of a laxative or something right now for my tortoise. I’ve tried everything in the books, everything. Let me know if you could some how find out the dosage! My tortoise is a golden greek, so very similar to dosages for russian tortoises if that helps.

 

[Yvonne G]

Like I said in the other thread, place your tortoise in a tub of water that comes up just a bit above the middle of his sides and leave him in there for as long as it takes. Scrambling around in the water trying to get out helps to get things moving inside. This has never failed to work for my constipated tortoises. Just be patient and leave in in there. It may take an hour or more.

 

[Tom]

hello! i’m in very much need of a laxative or something right now for my tortoise. I’ve tried everything in the books, everything. Let me know if you could some how find out the dosage! My tortoise is a golden greek, so very similar to dosages for russian tortoises if that helps.

Like Yvonne said, but I like to do it in a slick bath tub. The larger size often makes them scramble around more. Thus is like when a horse "colics". Like horses, our tortoise require locomotion to help with gut motility. This long warm soak in a bathtub is like hand walking or a hot talker for a horse.

Car rides also help. Put the tortoise in a large plastic box and drive it around. Keep the car heated up inside. Warm temps help.

If the tortoise is still eating, then opuntia pads or mineral oil will help lube things up.

We cannot prescribe or dose medications for you. That is something a vet would have to do.

 

[Levi the Leopard]

hello! i’m in very much need of a laxative or something right now for my tortoise. I’ve tried everything in the books, everything. Let me know if you could some how find out the dosage! My tortoise is a golden greek, so very similar to dosages for russian tortoises if that helps.

Buddy, soak that tortoise and don't let it out of the water until it has pooped. Period.

It's such an easy solution. Pick the sink:


Pick a tub outside:


Pick a tub inside:


Pick a dark tub:


Sit with it in the sun (temperature permitting):


Water level high enough to drink from yet not too high that it actually swimming:


Keep that water warm the whole time. You can do it!

 

[Cathie G]

Yes all of the above! And certain lettuces like escarole and others if the tortoise is still eating a bit. Just to keep things moving. I like escarole best because it's so high in fiber and moisture. Welcome.

 

[Cathie G]

Buddy, soak that tortoise and don't let it out of the water until it has pooped. Period.

It's such an easy solution. Pick the sink:
View attachment 351126

Pick a tub outside:
View attachment 351127

Pick a tub inside:
View attachment 351128

Pick a dark tub:
View attachment 351129

Sit with it in the sun (temperature permitting):
View attachment 351130

Water level high enough to drink from yet not too high that it actually swimming:
View attachment 351131

Keep that water warm the whole time. You can do it!