Injured Tortoise

[Tarryn]

Hi everyone. I just rescued a juvenile South African parrot beaked tortoise off the road who has been driven over. She has 2 thick blood clots coming out from under each of the front legs. I have cleaned her, soaked her, and applied a little antibacterial liquid over the blood clots to clean them up. My concern is if there is any suspected internal injury based on where the blood is coming from. I have put her in my enclosure under the lighting to warm up, she is totally retracted so this is all I can see. Is there anything I should look out for or any advise you have to offer to ensure she's goes back to full health to be released again?

 

[wellington]

@Yvonne G
Be sure she doesn't cook under the heat if she isn't moving to move herself out.
Keep her hydrated.
I would also put her on paper towel or no substrate and keep wounds clean daily and apply the antibiotic cream daily.
Is there a good tortoise vet or rescue near?

 

[Tarryn]

@Yvonne G
Be sure she doesn't cook under the heat if she isn't moving to move herself out.
Keep her hydrated.
I would also put her on paper towel or no substrate and keep wounds clean daily and apply the antibiotic cream daily.
Is there a good tortoise vet or rescue near?

Thanks Yvonne. I see she has moved to a different spot in the enclosure so she is moving around. She is under a little pile of loose hay. There is a reptile vet that I can travel to. Where the blood is coming from, do you think an organ is at risk?

 

[TammyJ]

Hi Tarryn. It was Wellington who had responded to you. She has "called" Yvonne, who is the #1 person to call in any emergency like this, although Wellington is also a terrific source of sound knowledge and advice here. You will be getting all good help!

 

[Tarryn]

My apologies! I appreciate all the advise and thanks all.

 

[wellington]

Thanks Yvonne. I see she has moved to a different spot in the enclosure so she is moving around. She is under a little pile of loose hay. There is a reptile vet that I can travel to. Where the blood is coming from, do you think an organ is at risk?

Sorry, I'm not Yvonne, I sent an alert to Yvonne so she would see this thread.

 

[wellington]

The blood coming from front leg area right?

 

[Tarryn]

The blood coming from front leg area right?

Yes, under the leg.

 

[TammyJ]

Can we see a picture of the plastron?

 

[Tarryn]

I have attached a few pictures, you can see under her foot (I have cleaned the area)

 

[TammyJ]

If it was me, I would just keep her clean and warm and hydrated and watch her behavior, for any signs of deterioration that would signal a vet trip.

 

[Tarryn]

Absolutely, that's the plan. I will see how she does overnight, the bleeding has stopped and I will clean her in the morning again. Thank you for all your help 🐢

 

[TammyJ]

Be sure to keep us informed please! People here really do care.

 

[Tarryn]

Just an update - The little girl is doing really well. She's very active and there are no signs of bleeding or oozing. She keeps moving towards her basking area to sleep - so far so good 🙂

 

[TammyJ]

Awesome!

 

[wellington]

Glad to hear she is doing good. She was lucky you found her.
Be sure to keep her hydrated and try to see if she will eat if she hasn't yet.
Can you see the wound area? Be sure it's kept clean and free of flies. Apply antibiotic cream to it if you can.