Eating Moss

[theelectraco]

Any update?

 

[7oasty23]

Any update?

Still not eating, he hasn't passed anymore since yesterday, he's still really lethargic. Not really sure what to do at this point.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

So it's hard to tell from the picture, but is the dark spot like an old age spot on a human arm, or is it slightly purple in color?

 

[7oasty23]

So it's hard to tell from the picture, but is the dark spot like an old age spot on a human arm, or is it slightly purple in color?

I'm colorblind, but it looks like a small injury, kinda like a bruise.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

From here it almost looks like a blood blister or an injury from an impact. As for getting the gut tract working, movement of the limbs is key. If you could get it outside for a walk-a-bout in the sun for awhile then a soak, that should get things moving, gut tract wise. I'd soak often, a couple times a day while having the water level high enough he needs to work to stay up.
Mind you, if he ever seems distressed let some of the water out. And keep a constant eye on him.

 

[7oasty23]

From here it almost looks like a blood blister or an injury from an impact. As for getting the gut tract working, movement of the limbs is key. If you could get it outside for a walk-a-bout in the sun for awhile then a soak, that should get things moving, gut tract wise. I'd soak often, a couple times a day while having the water level high enough he needs to work to stay up.
Mind you, if he ever seems distressed let some of the water out. And keep a constant eye on him.

I'll do that tomorrow, thanks for the advice. How long can they go without eating. I think he may have eaten a little today, but I wasn't sure. I've been trying romaine, because he normally destroys a plate of it.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

They can go literally months without eating. That said, it is in no way good for them, and they need to be healthy to start. Have you tried a dandelion flower yet? Often those bright, yellow flowers will stir them to eat.

 

[7oasty23]

They can go literally months without eating. That said, it is in no way good for them, and they need to be healthy to start. Have you tried a dandelion flower yet? Often those bright, yellow flowers will stir them to eat.

No, but I've tried fruit, mazuri, and spring mix. Anything to get him to eat. I think I'll bring him to a vet after a week goes by.

 

[7oasty23]

Well he passed a bunch of moss when I soaked him, and he's actually walking around a little bit. He's not eating yet, but I think he's making some progress at least.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

Passing stuff shows that internal systems are functioning as designed. This is good news.

 

[7oasty23]

Passing stuff shows that internal systems are functioning as designed. This is good news.

He made a lap around his enclosure, before he went to bask after his soak. Most activity I've seen in a while. Hopefully he'll start eating once he's done passing moss. I'll never put it in his enclosure again.

 

[7oasty23]

So I found out that you can get appointments with the Knoxville Zoo's reptile expert, so I'll hopefully be bringing him in for a checkup in the next couple of weeks.

 

[7oasty23]

Looks like he ate some today while I was at work. Not sure if he did, but I'm fairly certain some was gone. Really stoked! I was starting to get worried.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

Yeah!!!!

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

Looks like he ate some today while I was at work. Not sure if he did, but I'm fairly certain some was gone. Really stoked! I was starting to get worried.

Ok. That was 2 days ago. How are things progressing?

 

[7oasty23]

Looks like he ate some today while I was at work. Not sure if he did, but I'm fairly certain some was gone. Really stoked! I was starting to get worried.

Ok. That was 2 days ago. How are things progressing?

Not great, he's slightly more active, but he's not eating much. He took a bite out of a few weeds on his walk today, but he maybe moved six inches. He's still drinking, and his neck seems to be slightly blue on the bottom. I'm gonna siak him with baby food tonight.

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

How old is this tortoise?

 

[laney]

My little one year old Russian has a mark like that but it's been there as long as I can remember. I'd say its just a marking unless it suddenly appeared?

 

[Cowboy_Ken]

Will you be able to make an appointment with the zoo reptile veterinarian?

 

[ascott]

I would still do the routine you have been doing and don't back off ---slight signs of improvement should not change your routine right now, it took me several weeks of long (2+ hours) soaks 2 and 3 times a day along with constant pestering for the old man CDT here to clear his solid sand impaction....

Keep soaking, keep his enclosure a bit on the warmer side (80-83 constantly) while you are fussing with him during this time....also, I would try to offer him a bit of mineral oil in a bite size strawberry---the mineral oil will help lube him inside as well....

Can you take him outside in the sunlight and take a pic of that spot on his neck?