I think my little guy has an RI.

[Creedence]

So, I went and dug my little russian up to put him inside for the night, and when he pulled into his shell, it sounded more like a squeak toy, not at all like it normally does. Like he had mucus. I didn't see any bubbles, but still. I'm planning on calling the vet tomorrow. Does anyone know of a reputable vet near Sacramento? I guess my main concern is, what should I make sure the vet DOESN'T do? I hear too many stories about ignorant vets accidentally giving lethal injections, and that would be devastating. In the mean time, what do I do until I can get him to the vet?

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Update: I just woke the poor guy up again. Held him close to my ear when he pulled in, and didn't hear the same stuffy noise as before. However, I did hear a REALLY slight almost click sound? I've never really listened to him breathe so close before, so I'm not sure how normal that is. I've had him less than a month. This is so frightening :[

 

[dmmj]

Obvious signs of an RI. Lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen/puffy eye, bubbles and or mucus from the nose, open mouth breathing. If he does not have at least one of those, I would not really worry, but if going to the vet will put your mind at ease, go for it. I think in all honesty the vet is gonna look for those signs to determine if he has one, the vet should ask a lot of questions answer them honestly the vet can't help if he does not have all of the correct info, avoid vitamin shots at all costs.

 

[ascott]

Well, if you had to dig em up, there is the likelihood that he was startled as well as likely had dirt around his face/nose....so there are a couple of valid reasons that you may have noticed a noise....as Captain said, there are some visual signs as well that if you are not seeing, I would give him a bit before I hauled him off to the vet and exposed him to that stress when likely not necessary....just my thoughts is all..

 

[Creedence]

Thanks. I think I just figured it out though. Right before I picked him up he was munching on the jade plant I just planted. He had watery plant juice all over his face, so I'm pretty sure that's what the sound was about, because after I moved him inside and let him sit (dry) for a while, it stopped. I feel like an idiot, haha.

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And yeah, I misspoke (mistyped? Haha) and I dug him up and THEN he was snacking. I had to do something inside before bringing him in.

 

[ascott]

I feel like an idiot, haha.

Oh goodness, please don't do that....we have all done something that made us go....oh jeeezzz, just a sign you care.....

 

[Creedence]

Hahah, true.

 

[CLMoss]

It sounds to me like you are a good tortoise owner, that pays attention to small details.