Red Mark on Shell, Maybe a Bruise? Should I Take Him to the Vet?

Kelly.324

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Hi,

So, I accidentally dropped the spray bottle on my little tortoise on Sunday (I felt awful). I was crouched down so it wasn’t too high above him, a couple of feet at most. Also, there wasn’t a lot of water in it at all so it wasn’t very heavy.
However, today, I’ve noticed this little red mark appear on his shell. I think it’s the same place the water bottle hit him but I’m not 100% sure.
After it hit him he seemed ok, freaked out a bit and ran to his hide but after a few minutes he was back to his normal, greedy, self.

Is this just a bruise that will heal on its own or should I be more worried? The colour concerns me and I’m not sure if it’s normal or if I should take him to the vets?

Any advice? I’m really stressing over this and just feel awful!

Thank you so much IMG_8309.jpgIMG_8310.jpgIMG_8311.jpgIMG_8312.jpgIMG_8313.jpg
 

LaLaP

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I saw a similar post awhile back and a long-time member with lots of experience dealing with sick and injured torts said that it should heal up just fine. Don't beat yourself up too much :)
 

Kelly.324

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Thanks, the mark hasn’t gotten any bigger or changes colour today.
However, I’ve looked at the under side of his shell and I’m worried it looks a bit pink? It couldn’t be an early sign of septicaemia could it?

IMG_8317.jpg
 

Kelly.324

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Could it be septicaemia? I think he’s got a pinkish tinge to him but I’m not sure if I’m being paranoid?

Thanks, sorry if I’m over reacting
 

LaLaP

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Hmmm. I do see that very slight tinge on the right side but I don't think that would happen from your mostly empty spray bottle. Tortoises are pretty tough.
That could be his normal coloring and you just hadn't noticed it before.
I would just keep an eye on it and watch for any behavior changes like lethargy or lack of appetite. I bet he's just fine though :)
 

Kelly.324

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Hmmm. I do see that very slight tinge on the right side but I don't think that would happen from your mostly empty spray bottle. Tortoises are pretty tough.
That could be his normal coloring and you just hadn't noticed it before.
I would just keep an eye on it and watch for any behavior changes like lethargy or lack of appetite. I bet he's just fine though :)


Thanks, I’ve only had him two months. I don’t think it’s his normal colouring but you’re right, maybe I’ve just not noticed before.
He’s still eating and active but I’ll keep a really close eye on him. Might book him in for a check up at the vets to be on the safe side.

Thanks for your advice :)
 

LaLaP

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If you do take him to the vet just be careful... lots of stories of vets doing things that are harmful or even fatal to a tortoise. So many of them say they know torts but then they don't. Don't let them give him a vitamin shot!
I would do a quick forum search for any suggested treatments. Or post.
 

Kelly.324

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Thanks, I’ve searched the forum and there are some that have had similar symptoms and it both has and hasn’t been if that makes sense.

Thanks for your advice :)
I’ve started a new thread to query if it’s septicaemia and I’ll phone the vet and see if I can speak to her first before brining him in. And I’ll remember, no vitamin injections!
 

Kelly.324

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That’s exactly what I do, mine prefer to sleep buried in cococoir:)

Mine does usually sleep buried in the coco coir but I’ve found him full on asleep all over the place, in his food bowl quite often (he is a greedy little guy), once in his water dish!, sometimes just in a random corner of his table...it’s a guessing game sometimes haha![emoji23]
 

Cheryl Hills

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Mine does usually sleep buried in the coco coir but I’ve found him full on asleep all over the place, in his food bowl quite often (he is a greedy little guy), once in his water dish!, sometimes just in a random corner of his table...it’s a guessing game sometimes haha![emoji23]
Happy Birthday
 
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