Since I'm new to tortoises any change I notice on a daily basis can be alarming.
What is this?:
Josh's leg
And what should be done for it?
What is this?:
Josh's leg
And what should be done for it?
Scales splitting?
- Thread starter RianSeeking
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Looks like the tissue under the skin has expanded causing it to split. Hows his behavior, and how does he walk?
Yes, it looks exactly like her leg has expanded. In fact, if I squeeze a little, there is a roundness, hardness on both legs.
She does not act like she is in pain, her activity and walking is normal. She did have baytril injections in her front legs roughly five days ago, but not in that area.
She does not act like she is in pain, her activity and walking is normal. She did have baytril injections in her front legs roughly five days ago, but not in that area.
I've never seen anything like this before, and my gut reaction looking at it is that a vet should take a look. We'll see if others agree.
But yeah, it looks like the underskin tissue has expanded and ripped the scales. I'm surprised she doesn't seem to be in pain. That looks nasty.
For now I'd keep it clean, and maybe dab some neosporin on it. I'm not certain neosporin is okay for torts though, so could someone confirm or deny that for me? Anyhow, I'd keep it clean because that's a layer of tissue showing that isn't normally and as such can be a doorway for infection.
But yeah, it looks like the underskin tissue has expanded and ripped the scales. I'm surprised she doesn't seem to be in pain. That looks nasty.
For now I'd keep it clean, and maybe dab some neosporin on it. I'm not certain neosporin is okay for torts though, so could someone confirm or deny that for me? Anyhow, I'd keep it clean because that's a layer of tissue showing that isn't normally and as such can be a doorway for infection.
So, it occurred to me as she is having her soak that she has always rubbed that exact spot with her nose.
I assumed it was because of her runny nose. Itchy nose, so she rubs it on that leg.
But maybe that particular spot has always hurt or itched.
She rubbed it just now in her soak, that exact arc of skin.
I assumed it was because of her runny nose. Itchy nose, so she rubs it on that leg.
But maybe that particular spot has always hurt or itched.
She rubbed it just now in her soak, that exact arc of skin.
My first impression was that the leg scales had been scratched off in that area. That's just what it looks like when another tortoise bites the front legs.
Neosporin is good for topical dressing on minor tortoise injuries
Neosporin is good for topical dressing on minor tortoise injuries
We'll put Neosporin on. I have plenty of that.
Should I investigate further why she's rubbing that bit of flesh?
Should I investigate further why she's rubbing that bit of flesh?
Ouch. Hope it's nothing.
The only input I have for you is to make sure the Neosporin is NOT the Pain Relief kind. The pain killer in that Neosporin is toxic to reptiles. Regular Neosporin (or generic brand of the same) with no additives is safe.
The only input I have for you is to make sure the Neosporin is NOT the Pain Relief kind. The pain killer in that Neosporin is toxic to reptiles. Regular Neosporin (or generic brand of the same) with no additives is safe.
Looks more like a swelling or abcess to me. The scales are still there, just spread apart.
If it is an abcess, a vet needs to lance it and drain it. If it was my tortoise, it would be vet time.
If it is an abcess, a vet needs to lance it and drain it. If it was my tortoise, it would be vet time.
I really actually think she's swollen all over except for the head and neck. I was unsure about her back legs but now her front seem pretty...tight?
Is kidney failure the only thing that causes this? And what causes the kidney failure?
What do I expect for a tortoise with kidney failure?
I just went through the same thing with our ancient cat. It was a long drawn out process trying to decide when he was actually uncomfortable enough to be put down. He motored on for a good six months.
Josh the tortoise seems happy in every other way. But I have a sinking pit in my stomach.
Is kidney failure the only thing that causes this? And what causes the kidney failure?
What do I expect for a tortoise with kidney failure?
I just went through the same thing with our ancient cat. It was a long drawn out process trying to decide when he was actually uncomfortable enough to be put down. He motored on for a good six months.
Josh the tortoise seems happy in every other way. But I have a sinking pit in my stomach.
You should call vet as soon as you can.You mentioned that both front legs look round and feel hard, It could be anything but It does not look like an injury or a bite wound.When my russians mate the males will bite at the front limbs of the females and sometimes they will rip off a scale or two, but it has never looked like that.It almost looks to be infected and the swelling is splitting the skin or you have a problem with the kidneys and it is retaining fluid.Someone else just posted a thread with the same problem or atleast very similar(swollen tortoise) was the thread name.Anyway good luck,tom.
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