Please help! My dog savaged a tortoise!

[sueb4653]

looks like he is doing great glad you found help

 

[sibi]

DO NOT clean with hydrogen provide. It will only make the wound worse and painful. Instead use a antiseptic solution to clean the wound. Afterwards, use a antibiotic ointment and keep it bandaged and dry. Place him on a clean towel and make sure he's darn. Then he must go to a vet!!!

It's pretty bad. The front where it's broken is the biggest problem. If you can't find a vet to help. the wounds need to be cleaned and kept clean and dry. Keep it warm. 3% hydrogen peroxide will help clean the wounds. See if it will eat. Don't keep it in the dark. Good luck.

 

[sibi]

Has he shown any signs of wanting to eat? you may have to gently hand-feed him for a while. You may want to start with some fruit. You were fortunate that he wasn't killed and you found a specialize vet. I have a thread written by Tom below my name. Even though you experienced what no tort owner would ever want to go through, I still recommend your reading it. We always try to warn owners if they have dogs. I guess I missed you.

 

[Budgey]

Has he shown any signs of wanting to eat? you may have to gently hand-feed him for a while. You may want to start with some fruit. You were fortunate that he wasn't killed and you found a specialize vet. I have a thread written by Tom below my name. Even though you experienced what no tort owner would ever want to go through, I still recommend your reading it. We always try to warn owners if they have dogs. I guess I missed you.

Hi Sibi! All I know is that he's doing well, so I presume he's eating ok as the rescue centre is already talking about moving him to a sanctuary. The little guy is actually wild, so I'm not the owner. I just felt a responsibility as it was my dog that did the damage, but regardless of that I would do the same for any animal in need whatever the circumstances. I have owned several dogs, but this is the first one that actively seeks out and wants to attack wild tortoises - hence the investment in a muzzle!

Perhaps I will own tortoises one day; they seem like fascinating creatures. Might have to wait 'til the current doggie is off the scene, though...

Thanks again everyone.

Terry (the other one)

 

[wellington]

You would be a great tortoise owner. Your quick, caring response to this wild one proves that. If you got a spot you can dog proof, there is a tortoise out there that would love to be your friend Thanks for being one of the good people and caring about animals of all kind.