Rescue advice!!!

[Destben]

Hey I had someone on Facebook ask me about leopard tortoises because she is looking to adopt the one in the pictures below. I can tell right away that this poor baby is pyramided really bad. Could you guys tell anything more besides that and the over grown beak that might cause issues? And she would also like some advice if possible. The tort is approximately 4 years old.

 

[Bambam1989]

That is some pretty serious pyramiding but my concern would be potential MBD (metabolic bone disease). His tail look crooked to anyone else?
If your friend chooses to rescue this tort then my suggestion would be to-
1. Take a fecal sample to be tested by a vet.
2. Give daily warm soaks for a minimum 30min to ensure hydration.
3. A weekly supplement of calcium and minerals.
4. Trim the beak, a vet can do this if your friend is not comfortable with doing it.
5. Make sure he is receiving Uv, natural sunlight is best but artificial will suffice if the weather is bad.
Make sure your friend reads the care sheets for leopard torts.
I tip my hat to your friend for taking on a rescue.

 

[Destben]

That is some pretty serious pyramiding but my concern would be potential MBD (metabolic bone disease). His tail look crooked to anyone else?
If your friend chooses to rescue this tort then my suggestion would be to-
1. Take a fecal sample to be tested by a vet.
2. Give daily warm soaks for a minimum 30min to ensure hydration.
3. A weekly supplement of calcium and minerals.
4. Trim the beak, a vet can do this if your friend is not comfortable with doing it.
5. Make sure he is receiving Uv, natural sunlight is best but artificial will suffice if the weather is bad.
Make sure your friend reads the care sheets for leopard torts.
I tip my hat to your friend for taking on a rescue.

I already sent them the link to the care sheets

 

[CarolM]

That is some pretty serious pyramiding but my concern would be potential MBD (metabolic bone disease). His tail look crooked to anyone else?
If your friend chooses to rescue this tort then my suggestion would be to-
1. Take a fecal sample to be tested by a vet.
2. Give daily warm soaks for a minimum 30min to ensure hydration.
3. A weekly supplement of calcium and minerals.
4. Trim the beak, a vet can do this if your friend is not comfortable with doing it.
5. Make sure he is receiving Uv, natural sunlight is best but artificial will suffice if the weather is bad.
Make sure your friend reads the care sheets for leopard torts.
I tip my hat to your friend for taking on a rescue.

Yes the tail does look crooked to me too. Almost like it has a kink in it.

 

[Yvonne G]

And the beak looks slightly overgrown. If your friend wants the tortoise, tell him to get it. As long as he purchases with an open mind, realizing the tortoise isn't perfect.

 

[Tim Carlisle]

That is some pretty serious pyramiding but my concern would be potential MBD (metabolic bone disease). His tail look crooked to anyone else?

I was wondering about that, myself. Poor thing.

 

[Destben]

I was wondering about that, myself. Poor thing.

I was telling her at that point it’s pretty much like they have been abused.

 

[Destben]

I was telling her at that point it’s pretty much like they have been abused.

And yes I realize some people don’t know how to take care of them and don’t mean to let them get that bad

 

[Tim Carlisle]

And yes I realize some people don’t know how to take care of them and don’t mean to let them get that bad

Much like dogs or cats, each tortoise has its own distinct personality. A few character flaws doesn't make it any less lovable. Somebody out there will love to take care care of it. I'd gladly adopt it if I were just a bit closer to you and already had an enclosure built capable enough for it. My outdoor enclosure project won't start till this Spring though. I'm not yet set up for something that large.

 

[Destben]

Much like dogs or cats, each tortoise has its own distinct personality. A few character flaws doesn't make it any less lovable. Somebody out there will love to take care care of it. I'd gladly adopt it if I were just a bit closer to you and already had an enclosure built capable enough for it. My outdoor enclosure project won't start till this Spring though. I'm not yet set up for something that large.

I’m not sure where the tort is located the lady got ahold of me through one of the Facebook leopard tortoise pages.

 

[Tom]

BamBam hit all the high points. In a case like this they need to be sure to hydrate, feed and supplement correctly, make sure the tortoise is kept warm day and night, and get a good UV source. I would get one of the newer "HO" type bulbs. ZooMed sells them and I use the Arcadia brand from this guy:
http://www.lightyourreptiles.com

I wouldn't trust the standard 10.0 UV tubes to get the job done in this case.

 

[Destben]

BamBam hit all the high points. In a case like this they need to be sure to hydrate, feed and supplement correctly, make sure the tortoise is kept warm day and night, and get a good UV source. I would get one of the newer "HO" type bulbs. ZooMed sells them and I use the Arcadia brand from this guy:
http://www.lightyourreptiles.com

I wouldn't trust the standard 10.0 UV tubes to get the job done in this case.

Thank you I will let her know. This is helpful for me too I’m about to switch bulbs the one I have is almost done for.