Hair... help!!

[Tinyhigg]

I noticed a hair in the back area of my tortoise, so I tried pulling it as I thought it was stuck in his leg in the shell. A fair bit just came out until I met some resistance, so I just put steadily trying not to break it till I noticed what I thought was dirt stuck to it. So I pull some more and I think got the end of it just to realise it was poop and that he must have eaten this very long hair with most of it being out by then and that I must have been pulling it out his ***.

As funny as this might sound I am now terrified that I've caused some internal damage or something. Should I take him to a vet?

 

[zovick]

I noticed a hair in the back area of my tortoise, so I tried pulling it as I thought it was stuck in his leg in the shell. A fair bit just came out until I met some resistance, so I just put steadily trying not to break it till I noticed what I thought was dirt stuck to it. So I pull some more and I think got the end of it just to realise it was poop and that he must have eaten this very long hair with most of it being out by then and that I must have been pulling it out his ***.

As funny as this might sound I am now terrified that I've caused some internal damage or something. Should I take him to a vet?

Unless you pulled extremely hard, there is likely no internal damage. I would just wait and see how the tortoise acts over the next few days to a week. If it acts normal, a vet visit is not needed.

 

[_The_Beast_]

Echoing @zovick

I have long hair and have had this happen. I just slowly pulled it out and gave them a few days of longer soaks to help things pass through. Everything was fine. I've since tried to be more aware of tying my hair back when I'm spot cleaning the enclosure and if we're hanging out having a cuddle that there's no loose hairs on my clothing. Providing your tortoise isn't free roaming (which is dangerous), it should be easy to prevent it from becoming an issue in the future.

 

[Sarah2020]

I had similar. Just feed normally, maybe do a 30 mins warm water shallow soak in a high sided container to help get the motions moving. I think hair landed on the food plate and got injested. Just be careful with food prep and enc activities and tie hair back if required.

 

[Tinyhigg]

Thanks all for the replies.

Master Oogway doesn't free roam. I can only imagine a hair got on a plant when I put his new plants as that's the only thing I did in this enclosure change. We soaked him that same moment until he started falling asleep in his water (which he does often, he lazy bathing!) and will continue to do so each day for a week. He's been really active today, both walking and eating; which I think is a good sign, right?

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Sounds good!

 

[_The_Beast_]

Walking and eating is a great sign! Also I love the name you chose

 

[Darwins House]

I noticed a hair in the back area of my tortoise, so I tried pulling it as I thought it was stuck in his leg in the shell. A fair bit just came out until I met some resistance, so I just put steadily trying not to break it till I noticed what I thought was dirt stuck to it. So I pull some more and I think got the end of it just to realise it was poop and that he must have eaten this very long hair with most of it being out by then and that I must have been pulling it out his ***.

As funny as this might sound I am now terrified that I've caused some internal damage or something. Should I take him to a vet?

Hey Tinyhigg,

Our 8-year-old Sulcata has cycled a few bits and pieces of foreign objects over the years. Yes, it is alarming, but it sounds like you have done all the right things, especially paying close attention and care. Other advice I'm this thread seem very good. An appropriate diet, sufficient hydration, a warm environment, and plenty of exercise are all the best.... Keep up the good work.