Melissa Manire
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2015
- Messages
- 1
Hello to all the tortoise lovers out there!
I have just recently adopted a tortoise that, from the looks of it - is suffering from dehydration. I've spent countless hours researching on his symptoms and all that I have read is linked to overall dehydration or a possible virus. His symptoms are listed below. He came to me in a very dry environment. White urates were all over his enclosure, the enclosure had not been properly cleaned in awhile. His basking light was way too hot for him and the owner did not use a UVB bulb.
He is now in a more suitable micro climate enclosure with proper lighting, temperature, and humidity levels but, although there has been slight improvement, this is day 5 and his negative symptoms are still visible. MY veterinarian ( there aren't many trustworthy ones in the area!) is out of town and will not be back for a few more days... If anyone can help me figure out what is wrong with this little guy, it would mean the WORLD to me! I hate to see an animal suffer....
Negative Symptoms:
- Sunk in eyes
- White, puffy around eyes
- Rarely moves around the tank ( He may still be adjusting to his new environment?)
- Scales missing from arms and legs ( He was not housed with other tortoises from what I am aware of)
Positive Symptoms:
- Has a large appetite
- Healthier poop (pellet form vs white urate)
- His eyes are getting more brown around them( where the puffy-ness is) rather than all white
- Clear nose ( no sneezing/coughing)
- Healthy shell
What I have been doing to assist him:
- Bathing once every other day for 20-25min ( Should I bathe him every day?)
- Ensuring humidity levels are accurate (misting the enclosure every now and then)
- Spraying his food with water before adding supplements ( phosphorus free calcium and vit d3)
- Spending time grazing in direct sunlight ( with hide out areas for shade)
- Keeping a daily record of symptoms ( to know whether or not he is improving)
Any help would be appreciated! Thank you
I have just recently adopted a tortoise that, from the looks of it - is suffering from dehydration. I've spent countless hours researching on his symptoms and all that I have read is linked to overall dehydration or a possible virus. His symptoms are listed below. He came to me in a very dry environment. White urates were all over his enclosure, the enclosure had not been properly cleaned in awhile. His basking light was way too hot for him and the owner did not use a UVB bulb.
He is now in a more suitable micro climate enclosure with proper lighting, temperature, and humidity levels but, although there has been slight improvement, this is day 5 and his negative symptoms are still visible. MY veterinarian ( there aren't many trustworthy ones in the area!) is out of town and will not be back for a few more days... If anyone can help me figure out what is wrong with this little guy, it would mean the WORLD to me! I hate to see an animal suffer....
Negative Symptoms:
- Sunk in eyes
- White, puffy around eyes
- Rarely moves around the tank ( He may still be adjusting to his new environment?)
- Scales missing from arms and legs ( He was not housed with other tortoises from what I am aware of)
Positive Symptoms:
- Has a large appetite
- Healthier poop (pellet form vs white urate)
- His eyes are getting more brown around them( where the puffy-ness is) rather than all white
- Clear nose ( no sneezing/coughing)
- Healthy shell
What I have been doing to assist him:
- Bathing once every other day for 20-25min ( Should I bathe him every day?)
- Ensuring humidity levels are accurate (misting the enclosure every now and then)
- Spraying his food with water before adding supplements ( phosphorus free calcium and vit d3)
- Spending time grazing in direct sunlight ( with hide out areas for shade)
- Keeping a daily record of symptoms ( to know whether or not he is improving)
Any help would be appreciated! Thank you