Possibly unwell 3 year old Ibera Greek male (Artichoke is his name :) advice please and thank you!!!

[wderfler5]

I found this “brooder” for $10 much better than a reptile lamp, thank you for the suggestion. Now I am going to figure out the correct bulb. Right now this end of the tank is about 79- which I might leave it because the cool side is 70-72. I also purchased a black wash bin and cutting a hole in the side so the cool side he has a humid hide.

hi! The extended part of the enclosure is almost complete. I’m waiting for grow lights and will add some edible greens for Artochoke. I’ve been soaking him daily. Today he has been out all morning and ate most of his food. He is climbing over the fake hollow logs and exploring every corner. He hasn’t been out like this for about a month! I did buy a black wash bin and added that so he now has a hide that has 80% plus. He has another hide in the opposite corner where you can all the plants. He seems to like both corners. He has a hide that is dryer and one that is humid. I appreciate all the suggestions and feel he finally has an indoor enclosure that is more spacious and gives him more options (humid hide, dry areas, basking area is larger, I gave him a larger terra cotta water bowl he can fit in, different temp gradients going from 100-72). I did post on a FB group and several others with Greeks mentioned them being moody and not eating, but not being ill. Since I only have a little under 3 years experience I don’t have much to go on. I did reread Tom’s care guide and have followed that the best I can. Hopefully this all means Artichoke is ok and juts a stubborn tort! Next up is his outdoor enclosure that I’m super excited to build! Thanks again! Send. A picture of your red foot if you can! I think they are a good looking tortoise!

If there is nothing worrying on the x-ray, fecal sample or in the overall examination, I really wouldn't get worried, unless your tortoise has any new symptoms. t is possible that it is nothing serious and will go away with the measures you have already taken.

Please keep us updated on any test results, new symptoms and what your vet has to say!

I’m going to see what the vet suggest. The X ray is $225 and would like to forgo that if not necessary. I’m thinking at this point a fecal and overall well being check up. We shall see what the vet suggests!

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Is he pooping, peeing and eating normally? If so, a blockage is unlikely, and x-ray unnecessary. Of course this might change if new symptoms appear, but for now x-ray might not be necessary.

 

[wderfler5]

Is he pooping, peeing and eating normally? If so, a blockage is unlikely, and x-ray unnecessary. Of course this might change if new symptoms appear, but for now x-ray might not be necessary.

He’s just not eating like he used to. He will eat all his mazuri pellets when offered but seems disinterested in his greens. I do mix them up and add plantain, clover, and dandelion when they are in season. He loves Bok choy and will gladly eat that. He is peeing a pooping like normal. He was sleeping a lot the last month so I added onto his enclosure and am making an outdoor enclosure in the next few weeks.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I would say to keep an close eye on him and only consider the xray if new symptoms appear. Has he had any weight loss?

 

[wderfler5]

If there is nothing worrying on the x-ray, fecal sample or in the overall examination, I really wouldn't get worried, unless your tortoise has any new symptoms. t is possible that it is nothing serious and will go away with the measures you have already taken.

Please keep us updated on any test results, new symptoms and what your vet has to say!

Hi! artichoke went to the vet last week and the vet felt that around his eyes looked a little swollen as well as behind his neck area so I am injecting him every 3 days for an upper respiratory infection. He has had 4 infections and still is acting the same. Lethargic and not wanting to come out of his hide to eat or soak. He had a fecal done which was negative for parasites. If the injections don’t work the next step will be bloodwork and X-rays. I’m hoping the meds kick in, and also praying it’s not a kidney issue. Artichoke has been healthy up until now so I have very little experience when a tortoise gets sick. I’ve read Toms advice and Artichoke's enclosure checks all the marks now and have for the past month. I was hoping that would perk him up. He also will only eat bok choy, romaine, and plantain leaves. He won’t touch any other greens I give him. I try to give a wide variety but he is snubbing his nose at everything but those. We are building his outdoor enclosure tomorrow hoping being outside might help?! If he does have a kidney issue I’m not sure anything will help (from what I’ve read). He has been very well behaved while giving injections and hasn’t even tried to bite me. He does try to hide but eventually gives up so I can get behind one of his front legs. Have any other thoughts or advice? Thanks!!

 

[TammyJ]

What are the injections being given? From what you said, it doesn't sound like symptoms of a uri - but I am not a vet.

 

[wderfler5]

What are the injections being given? From what you said, it doesn't sound like symptoms of a uri - but I am not a vet.

He is getting ceftazidime- intramuscular. The vet said his eating behaviors, lethargy, swollen eyelids, and slight swelling behind his neck area could indicate a URI. He has never had a runny nose or now any bubbles. I’ve always checked his nose for those signs.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

If it is warm and humid outside, the natural sun might to perk him up and maybe even eat.