LeoTheTortoise
Member
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.
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.