Overweight?? OR something else?

[RaphsMama]

So I have to buy a $60 bulb every 3 months is what ur sayin? :/

 

[sunshyne621]

I work in human medicine and leg swelling is usually a sign of edema, liver issues or cellulitis. Not a vet nor do I work in vet medicine, but I would definitely keep a very close eye on it. Anything asymmetrical is concerning.

 

[RaphsMama]

Ok I'm pretty sure she's been eating her substrate (aspen)(mixed with soil, but eating the aspen) could that be linked to this? Also any suggestions on a substrate alternative that she's less likely to munch on!? :'(

 

[RaphsMama]

Anyone? Really looking for more input on this

 

[Yvonne G]

Well, like sunshyne621 said...it's edema. What its caused by no one knows except maybe a vet who can see the tortoise in real life. We've given you a few options and I think edwardbo's was the best one. If it were water retention from kidney problems I would think you'd see the edema pooching out around all the legs.

Take her to a real good lighting, maybe even out in the sun, then pull the skin apart at the wrinkle above the edema. In very bright light you might be able to see a blonde hair or a light piece of thread or something like that cutting off the circulation around the leg.

If it doesn't go away I think you need to take her to the vet.

 

[RaphsMama]

I'm almost certain we will end up at the vet I just thought I'd come here first and see if any of the experts had some input and if I could do anything on my own to help her, it is so hard to find a good reptile vet in my area, I know I was given a few options I possibilities I was looking for opinions on my latest post about her eating the substrate and if it is related and what substrate I can switch her to that she'd be less likely to eat

 

[RaphsMama]

Upon closer inspection, it looks like she has a little something (piece of substrate most likely?) Lodged between her shell and arm....urrrggg....my poor baby :'( *Still changing substrate*

 

[ascott]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Premier-3-cu-ft-Peat-Moss-70976040/100626048

this is the best, the aspen stuff is not so great....it could sliver off and lodge in the tort and create an infection site....then swelling....I do believe that the tort has some type of superficial issue....mainly because of the one limb being the only affected.....

 

[RaphsMama]

Thanks so much for the link! I've been going in circles all day over what to switch to, is this something I should mix with something else or can use just this? Thanks again!

 

[ascott]

I use it solely for the indoor enclosures for the Redfoot torts here....since I wet part of the substrate to offer a moist area for them I do have to mention to you....the first time you use water on this substrate it will seem LIKE FOREVER for it to soak into the substrate, but don't fret, each time there after when you add any water it will absorb rapidly and will retain ALOT of water...I also find when the substrate is deep, then you are able to wet the soil and as the top layers dry out--the bottom deeper layers remain moist...which is good....also, when you change the substrate, you will want to firmly hand pack the substrate down really well, this will allow the tort to gain a firm grip for walking...otherwise it is too fluffy

 

[RaphsMama]

Would I want it to be moist for a desert? From what I understand a little humidity is ok? So far I've been keeping her pretty dry, but the info on that seems to kinda go back and forth so I don't know for sure. I hope this substrate will work for her because I won't have to wrack my brain anymore lol

 

[ascott]

yes, this substrate is fine for a desert...also, this is a species that likes to dig down..so the deeper the better.

Moisture is a good thing to offer----I would offer the tort a warm, humid hide/area in the enclosure....that humid hide/area should always be kept warm....this will assure a place for the tort to go to when the desire to juicy up hits....contrary to popular information out and about, while this species does thrive in drier conditions, it still has a need and desire to retreat to a warm humid area from time to time....I would not run the entire enclosure on high constant humidity but rather opt for a warm humid hide...( you can use a plastic tupperware container flipped upside down and cut out a part of the end wide enough that the tort can easily go in and keep the soil in and under the hide warm day and night)...you can use a ceramic heat emitter over the hide at a safe distance to assure it remains warm...

 

[RaphsMama]

Ok I can see there is a piece of aspen lodged in there, the swelling has it stuck in there pretty good, is there anything I can do to get the swelling down??

 

[Yvonne G]

That might not be the problem. It may just be a piece that got stuck because of the wrinkle. What you're looking for is something that is wrapped around the leg, cutting off the circulation. But go ahead and try to grab that piece with the tweezers and gently give it a tug. If it comes off easily, it wasn't what is causing the problem.

 

[RaphsMama]

I've looked and looked and don't see anything wrapped around, I'm sure she hates me right now for bugging her so much lately poor girl the only thing I can see that could be causing a problem is the aspen that's stuck, I got some of it out but it didn't come out in one piece cuz of course that woulda been too easy -_-

 

[ascott]

Perhaps give her a long warm water soak and increase the depth of the water so that it completely covers her legs...and maintain the water temp warm....then straight from the soak give a try to remove the object....see what happens ...