Possible Health Concerns

Joined
Apr 28, 2017
Messages
97
Location (City and/or State)
Northern California
My friend recently acquired a Russian tortoise from well-meaning but ill-informed owners. For six years he was fed only romaine and iceberg lettuce, and box turtle food (chicken as the third ingredient), provided with no additional heat and kept in a tiny glass enclosure with another tortoise. He was not given enough substrate to burrow in and had no hide. As far as I know, he has no health issues and appears healthy and alert; aside from an overgrown beak and nails. He is now cared for properly and will soon be moved to a spacious outdoor enclosure.
I know torts are hardy creatures, but I still can't believe he has been treated that way and suffered no obvious ill effects. I am concerned about kidney damage from the combination of protein/dehydration. I checked for metabolic bone disease and most vitamin deficiencies I know the symptoms for, but was wondering if anyone could think of any other potential health issues based upon those conditions.
 

wellington

Well-Known Member
Moderator
10 Year Member!
Tortoise Club
Joined
Sep 6, 2011
Messages
49,660
Location (City and/or State)
Chicago, Illinois, USA
The best you can do is house and feed the correct way now. You could have a blood test done. However, you better have a really good reptile vet that has worked with a lot of tortoises. So many know almost nothing about tortoises and can do more damage then good.
 
Joined
Apr 28, 2017
Messages
97
Location (City and/or State)
Northern California
I'm really lucky up here in Nor Cal with a vet who is very experienced with tortoises. I will suggest they get the blood work when his beak is trimmed.
 

New Posts

Top