Philip Rome
Member
Hi,
I haven't posted before ,but I've been reading up for a few weeks now.
I took on a rescue tortoise about 3 weeks ago now, and was assured he was in tip top condition.
Philip is a Greek Spur thighed tortoise - about 20 yers old apparently.
to start with he didnt move, and we assumed he was settling in. we hand fed him and moved him to his water and also bathed him daily. tortoise table set up appears to be sound as another owner has taken a look and feeding is strictly from the tortoise table website.
We re doing our best and learning on the job.
HOWEVER - after a week, then another 2 weeks Philip still is't using his back legs, and only just using he front ones
he is eating well ( ish if we hand feed ) and was regular on poo, wee and urates....untill 8 days ago - hes hasnt pooed in 8 days.
We say the specialist vets 2 weeks ago and she said dehydrated- more baths keep going, then come back if no better.
We took him in on Tuesday and he had bloods - I got a call to day with the results and it sounds serious.
Very dehydrated
High white Blood Cell Count
Markers for Kidney issue.
He has to go back to the vets tomorrow for fluids and we are going to have to inject him ( not sure how often) with fluids. the vet wont give antibiotics at the mo as his kidney wont cope,
Review in another week, and more bloods in 2 weeks if her makes it that far.
for a newbie it is all very stressful and scary.
Has anyone had any similar health scares - how have they turned out ??? I'm bracing myself for the worst.
Im a mother of 3 children, so ive seen a lot......but seriously....Im getting tortoise related anxiety over something I've only just met !
Any positive or more realistic feedback would be really appreciated
Ta
Philips Mum Mary
I haven't posted before ,but I've been reading up for a few weeks now.
I took on a rescue tortoise about 3 weeks ago now, and was assured he was in tip top condition.
Philip is a Greek Spur thighed tortoise - about 20 yers old apparently.
to start with he didnt move, and we assumed he was settling in. we hand fed him and moved him to his water and also bathed him daily. tortoise table set up appears to be sound as another owner has taken a look and feeding is strictly from the tortoise table website.
We re doing our best and learning on the job.
HOWEVER - after a week, then another 2 weeks Philip still is't using his back legs, and only just using he front ones
he is eating well ( ish if we hand feed ) and was regular on poo, wee and urates....untill 8 days ago - hes hasnt pooed in 8 days.
We say the specialist vets 2 weeks ago and she said dehydrated- more baths keep going, then come back if no better.
We took him in on Tuesday and he had bloods - I got a call to day with the results and it sounds serious.
Very dehydrated
High white Blood Cell Count
Markers for Kidney issue.
He has to go back to the vets tomorrow for fluids and we are going to have to inject him ( not sure how often) with fluids. the vet wont give antibiotics at the mo as his kidney wont cope,
Review in another week, and more bloods in 2 weeks if her makes it that far.
for a newbie it is all very stressful and scary.
Has anyone had any similar health scares - how have they turned out ??? I'm bracing myself for the worst.
Im a mother of 3 children, so ive seen a lot......but seriously....Im getting tortoise related anxiety over something I've only just met !
Any positive or more realistic feedback would be really appreciated
Ta
Philips Mum Mary