Death! Could this be the cause?

[Calliope_TortKeeper]

Hi everyone,

Posting this here to ask for clarity.

My almost 1 year old sulcata tortoise died today.

Wanting to ask if his death could have been caused by this pus looking - swollen that can be seen on his right side? (See the 1st pic for reference)

The 2nd pic is of his canker sore that I've been treating for a couple of weeks now.

I just need some closure and want to know his cause of death. He has been checked by the vet multiples times for his canker sore and its been prescribed to clean the area with bactidol and spray kamillosan.

If you have any thoughts as to what happened, please enlighten me.

Thank you so much! Much appreciate anyone's insights.

 

[Calliope_TortKeeper]

Here is the image in question

 

[TammyJ]

Looks like advanced Austwickia chelonae.
Very sad.
Doesn't seem like you saw the right vet.
I am sorry.

 

[Tom]

Hi everyone,

Posting this here to ask for clarity.

My almost 1 year old sulcata tortoise died today.

Wanting to ask if his death could have been caused by this pus looking - swollen that can be seen on his right side? (See the 1st pic for reference)

The 2nd pic is of his canker sore that I've been treating for a couple of weeks now.

I just need some closure and want to know his cause of death. He has been checked by the vet multiples times for his canker sore and its been prescribed to clean the area with bactidol and spray kamillosan.

If you have any thoughts as to what happened, please enlighten me.

Thank you so much! Much appreciate anyone's insights.

Tammy is right. That is not a canker sore. Its Austwickia. Dispose of everything this tortoise had contact with, don't use any enclosures that he was in, and be very careful not to transfer this to any other tortoises.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I am sorry for your loss. It sounds like your tortoise got the wrong diagnosis and thus the wrong treatment.

 

[wellington]

So very sorry. I would be of great service to anyone else that may be using the same vet as you, to let the vet know what your tortoise really did have. They obviously do not have enough tortoise experience or education to know what they should have been dealing with. Most vets don't when it comes to tortoises. Maybe if you tell them, they will do some research on it and be able to do a better job if they ever come across it again.

 

[mojo_1]

Can tortoises even get canker sores?

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Just come accross this thread, I’m so so sorry for your loss! I agree with the others, this baby looked to have Austwickia, horrible disease! I’m so sorry, thoughts are with you

 

[Calliope_TortKeeper]

Hi everyone, @TammyJ @Tom @The_Four_Toed_Edward @wellington @mojo_1 @Littleredfootbigredheart - thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for helping me discern the right cause of my sulcata's death. It has took me a while to process everything including cleaning the enclosure so just responding now, but please do know that all of your messages have comforted and provided me closure on this matter. Again, thank you and I appreciate everyone's help. You'll are a great source of support and strength in this community!

 

[mojo_1]

Hi everyone, @TammyJ @Tom @The_Four_Toed_Edward @wellington @mojo_1 @Littleredfootbigredheart - thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for helping me discern the right cause of my sulcata's death. It has took me a while to process everything including cleaning the enclosure so just responding now, but please do know that all of your messages have comforted and provided me closure on this matter. Again, thank you and I appreciate everyone's help. You'll are a great source of support and strength in this community!

We hope that this unfortunately event doesn't prevent you from trying again. They really are magnificent creatures.

 

[Calliope_TortKeeper]

We hope that this unfortunately event doesn't prevent you from trying again. They really are magnificent creatures.

They are indeed awesome animals, will definitely do better in the future and watch out for signs. Thank you!