Male RF displaying sex organs, possible risks?

jockma

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I have an 8" long lap tortoise of indeterminate age, due to him being a rescue. He climbs in my lap, absorbs my body heat, and I rub his neck while he falls asleep. It's very cute and he's getting his out-of-enclosure enrichment. Except a few days ago, he decided to stick out his penis and whip it around while I was holding him. Understandably, he stays next to me on the couch, on a towel, and not on my lap now. lol

I'm a little worried about possible complications if he decides to keep sticking it out. I'm mainly concerned about substrate or gravel from outside getting stuck to it and getting drawn back inside his body, him causing injury to it while plowing around in his enclosure or him having a prolapse and needing it chopped off. I can't really find much information about this, except penile prolapse seems to be a fairly common occurrence. It seems like a very perilous design for a tortoise's penis, honestly. I just want to provide the best care for him that I can and this seems like something that can cause problems.
 

Anyfoot

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I have an 8" long lap tortoise of indeterminate age, due to him being a rescue. He climbs in my lap, absorbs my body heat, and I rub his neck while he falls asleep. It's very cute and he's getting his out-of-enclosure enrichment. Except a few days ago, he decided to stick out his penis and whip it around while I was holding him. Understandably, he stays next to me on the couch, on a towel, and not on my lap now. lol

I'm a little worried about possible complications if he decides to keep sticking it out. I'm mainly concerned about substrate or gravel from outside getting stuck to it and getting drawn back inside his body, him causing injury to it while plowing around in his enclosure or him having a prolapse and needing it chopped off. I can't really find much information about this, except penile prolapse seems to be a fairly common occurrence. It seems like a very perilous design for a tortoise's penis, honestly. I just want to provide the best care for him that I can and this seems like something that can cause problems.
Well I'm no expert but I think him sitting on your lap in a towel could dry his penis or drag on it, so I wouldnt allow that, equally the floor carpet can't be any good for his man hood. As for the substrate, mine have never got into problems with it. If you get too worried with his penis been out too long, bathe him in warm water. Someone else maybe able to suggest other things. I think you are worrying over nothing, but holding him in your lap, letting his bits touch fabric can't be good.
 

leigti

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They have survived millions of years in the wild with this design. The main thing is not to let it dry out. So keep the substrate slightly damp, and if you are worried you can soak him in warm water.
 

dmmj

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Male russians dont reach that size. You probably have a female with a prolapse
 

dmmj

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My bad you said RF. It is only a problen if it prolapses. Does ot go in and out?
 

Sarah_Marie

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Hi Jockma,

I would recommend to avoid the petting stimulus. If his phallus is back inside where it belongs, then just monitor it from time to time to make sure it stays inside. If it has prolasped and will not return back to normal position, it may be best to see a reptile specialist for further advice.
 

jaizei

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I don't consider it 'prolapsed' unless it's being dragged around. When they first discover it, they can let it hang out quite a bit. If you're concerned, set him in a shallow container of water until it retracts, this way it stays moist. I wouldn't mess around with the sugar paste you may read about unless it's 100% positively prolapsed. I've seen instances where prematurely treating a "prolapse" seems to actually cause a prolapse.
 

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