Leg injury?

[Marginated Malcolm]

George is approx 55 years old. I have had him for the last 4 years. Previous to me he had a lot of previous owners and lived in a garden (left to his own devices!) he often went missing was generally not cared for so I was more than happy to take him in when they no longer wanted him. Never had any problems with him, he’s hibernated well each winter. All has been well until today. Noticed he was not as speedy on one of his back legs. He is moving it a bit when I pick him up but not using it fully when manoeuvring. He has a good varied diet, cuttlefish bone ad lib and calcium on food x2 per week. He is getting plenty of natural sunlight and supplement lamp if required. I am leaning more towards injury? If needed I Wii take him to vets. Thanks for any replies.

 

[Yvonne G]

Under a very bright light, look insid the shell's leg hole and try to see if there's something in there. . .a sliver poking him, a hair wrapped around the leg, a sticker, etc.

 

[Marginated Malcolm]

Thanks for the reply. No nothing up his leg hole. He is moving it if I touch it but does not seem to have much strength in it. Looking, it could be a tad on the swollen side

 

[Marginated Malcolm]

Bad leg.

Good leg.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Maybe @zovick has some ideas? Has the walking improved at all? Any other change in his condition?

 

[zovick]

Maybe @zovick has some ideas? Has the walking improved at all? Any other change in his condition?

I watched the video yesterday and couldn't think of a reason for the apparent problem.

Has the tortoise been dropped at all which could possibly injure the leg?

Perhaps soaking the tortoise for 30 minutes daily in lukewarm water would help. I would try that for about 10 days to see if it brings down the swelling and allows the tortoise to walk normally again. If not, a vet visit to radiograph the leg could be in order.

 

[Yvonne G]

You could also try water therapy. You fill a container with enough water that he can't touch the bottom. Then support him in the water allowing him to paddle his legs. Do this for 15 minutes a day. After a week or two you should start to see improvement.

 

[Yvonne G]

It's common in dogs for the leg joint to slip out of the hip socket. Sometimes when that happens the tendons or whatever it is that holds the leg in place get loose and surgery is required. They cut off the ball joint and the leg just floats in place. I had that happen to a large male Manouria tortoise. My tortoise partner, William, took the tortoise to his vet in San Diego. The ball joint was cut off. After a period of recuperation the tortoise was just fine. He continued to breed as if there was nothing wrong.

You determine this by having an x-ray

 

[Marginated Malcolm]

Thank you to all who have replied. He is still the same on the leg. Nothing that I know of has happened to him to cause an injury but as a horse owner too I know just how much of a mystery injuries can be to determine!

He has regular soaks but will certainly give the water therapy a try with him. If no improvement will get him an appointment booked. My usual does not do reptile consultation but I have found one a couple of hours drive away that is reputable.

Thanks again everyone.

 

[serendipity123]

have you got an update on your torts leg? what did the vet say?