Is my tortoise walking weird?

[ghuitson]

Hey everyone,

I'm new to this forum and am looking for advise. My Spur-thighed tortoise Martha is around 17/18 years old and is currently enjoying what British sun we have right now since fully coming out of hibernation. As the weather has been so up and down, everything seems to have been slightly discombobulated for her this year as it's been hot, then cold etc. She came out of hibernation in March then went back in for a few weeks, now she is out fully and back to eating which wasn't happening for the majority of April/May. She is able to wee, poo, eat well etc but I noticed yesterday that she is walking almost to the side? It's as if she can't quite lift her whole shell up at the same time, I wanted to drop a video in here to see if anyone has any suggestions? We haven't taken her to the vets yet as we've only just noticed it, I've checked her legs, shell etc and everything seems ok, could she be weak from hibernation, the change in weather or should we get her checked out? She spends the whole summer outside in our secure garden. Any advise would be great

 

[jaizei]

For video, you'll need to post it to another site (eg youtube) and then embed it in your post

 

[ghuitson]

Hey everyone,

I'm new to this forum and am looking for advise. My Spur-thighed tortoise Martha is around 17/18 years old and is currently enjoying what British sun we have right now since fully coming out of hibernation. As the weather has been so up and down, everything seems to have been slightly discombobulated for her this year as it's been hot, then cold etc. She came out of hibernation in March then went back in for a few weeks, now she is out fully and back to eating which wasn't happening for the majority of April/May. She is able to wee, poo, eat well etc but I noticed yesterday that she is walking almost to the side? It's as if she can't quite lift her whole shell up at the same time, I wanted to drop a video in here to see if anyone has any suggestions? We haven't taken her to the vets yet as we've only just noticed it, I've checked her legs, shell etc and everything seems ok, could she be weak from hibernation, the change in weather or should we get her checked out? She spends the whole summer outside in our secure garden. Any advise would be great

Here is the Video:

 

[zovick]

Here is the Video:

The tortoise does appear to be having a difficult time walking. It might be a sign of metabolic bone disease (MBD). If you have a competent vet, it might be a good idea to have this possibility checked.

Avoid any vitamin shots given by the vet, though. They generally do more harm than good.

 

[wellington]

I second zovick. Something is off.
Post a side pic of your tortoise.
What is the diet? Did you raise her from hatchling?
Do you or have you added any calcium to her diet?

 

[ghuitson]

I second zovick. Something is off.
Post a side pic of your tortoise.
What is the diet? Did you raise her from hatchling?
Do you or have you added any calcium to her diet?

I'll try and get a side pic of her. She eats pretty well, lots of good greens, dandelion leafs etc, no added calcium, should I do that? Any recommendations with food?

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Something definitely isn’t right with her walking bless her
They list some reputable uk vets on the tortoise table if that helps, she’ll probably need checking out if there’s no change
I can try and find the link for you? So many vets don’t know how to properly treat them, so finding a good one is important
Keep us posted!

 

[ghuitson]

Something definitely isn’t right with her walking bless her
They list some reputable uk vets on the tortoise table if that helps, she’ll probably need checking out if there’s no change
I can try and find the link for you? So many vets don’t know how to properly treat them, so finding a good one is important
Keep us posted!

She's defo not herself, she's such a gorgeous girl. We have a vets appointment on Wednesday with a tortoise specialist, actually found from the website you recommended I will be sure to keep you all posted.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

She's defo not herself, she's such a gorgeous girl. We have a vets appointment on Wednesday with a tortoise specialist, actually found from the website you recommended I will be sure to keep you all posted.

Bless her, she really is beautiful
Aw that’s really good to hear, wishing you all the best for the appointment, hopefully she’ll be feeling back to her old self soon

 

[ghuitson]

Bless her, she really is beautiful
Aw that’s really good to hear, wishing you all the best for the appointment, hopefully she’ll be feeling back to her old self soon

Thank you so much, fingers crossed

 

[TammyJ]

Welcome to the forum! Please keep us updated on the results after the vet visit. I agree that something is definitely not right!

 

[ghuitson]

Welcome to the forum! Please keep us updated on the results after the vet visit. I agree that something is definitely not right!

Will defo keep you posted

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Has Martha had her vet appointment yet today? I hope it’s gone well and they can help you get to the bottom of what’s happening with her

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Hey! Do you have an update on your tortoise?