Back in early 2006 we had strong suspicion that we had missed a fourth clutch of eggs laid by one of our highest producing females (Sandy) based on disturbed soil and the fact that she is a nest guarder! The next morning we dug and never located the nest. She guarded the site for several days and continued to disturb the area as she always does. About thirty days after our first attempt to locate the nest we decided to perform a major search that ended up taking us several hours of careful and diligent digging. the nest site was finally located and contained five eggs. All five eggs were retrieved and placed into incubation for development. Initially they all appeared to be fertile and developing. Finally, on June 4th one of the eggs pipped! The little guy had a very difficult and challenging time getting out of the egg. When he did clamber out he looked very dehydrated, however appeared strong and had a strong appetite. After several days of hydration and feeding he appeared to be a normal healthy aldabra hatchling. Once his egg sack was closed he was treated just like a normal hatchling and showed all signs of normal and healthy development. He thrived for the first four years of his life. Last year he began to show signs that his rear legs were weak, prompting us to maintain closer observations of him. We noticed that his appetite was diminishing and selective. Then we realized that he was not defecating or urinating at all. Straight to Dr. Doug Mader in Marathon, Fl. for a full evaluation. After a complete examination and several tests he thought that Hopie possibly had a spinal cord injury. A feeding tube was inserted for medication and food delivery directly into his stomach. After several weeks his overall strength and appetite had returned. He was actually doing great with the exception of his hind legs seemed to have full range limitations. After several additional months his feeding tube was removed and he appeared to be thriving again with the exception of his rear legs having some difficulties. He maintained this condition for almost a year. last month he began to show signs of not defecating or urinating and his drinking and eating was fast declining. Back to Dr. mader who opted the best course of treatment was to insert another feeding tube for food, water, etc. No medication this time. Dr. Mader feels that Hopie has lost all control of several organs and his rear legs based on the x-rays, cat scans, and an actual MRI from a human hospital, showing a narrowing of his rear spinal cord. He appears to be in no pain or discomfort and he is alert and loves being outside in the sun with his cousins. Our plan is to continue the recommended direction of Dr, Mader and hope for the best!
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