- Joined
- Jul 25, 2012
- Messages
- 77
This Tuesday, (August 21st), I noticed bubbles on Mercury's nose (my 3-year-old Sulcata). I knew that was a bad sign, and was going on vacation, so I took him that day to All Creatures Care cottage in Costa Mesa (this is on the vet list).
About a month ago, I'd gotten two new baby hatchlings, and decided to bring them along with me to get them in the database, and a basic check up. (it's a 30 minute drive so I just thought I'd get the most out of the trip)
To my surprise, the vet told me that Bowser, my smaller hatchling, was severely dehydrated, and losing his sight because of it. His shell was soft, and he was very weak. (he'd always had trouble opening his eyes, and he had a softer shell, but I thought it was because he was so young)
I knew he was behind in his growth, he was always pretty light, and he hadn't grown at all while my other hatchling's shell scutes had started separating. but he'd been eating and pooping and drinking: so I hadn't been too worried. I thought maybe he was just a runt.
I took her word tho, and she prescribed him some calcium syrup and gave him an injection of vitamin A and D.
This morning, bowser was no longer with us.
I can't help but wonder if the vet made a mistake. I know that she had the best intentions, but my tortoise is dead less than 48 hours after his visit to the vet. Should I have brought him sooner? Should she have done something differently? Maybe the vitamins overwhelmed his weak system... If I hadn't brought them
along, would he still be with us?