Greetings all,
One of my 3 Egyptians has been sick over the past few days. The male adult, approx 19 years of age, has been lethargic, with sunken eyes (can't seem to open them for too long) and weight loss. He's also had a long history of clear/light drainage from his nostrils but lately has not been showing signs. However, his nares have been clogged for the past week or so and had difficulties trying to clear them out. The signs are pointing towards dehydration.
I've taken him to a local vet. Vet stated she believes his condition is related to his husbandry/care. I've had my male since 1997, and during those years, he's only been sick 2 or 3 times. He's always had a good appetite and was most active in the morning hours.
Vet gave me a grim prognosis, stating 50-50 in terms of him pulling through. She recommended feeding him Ensure to provide him with nutrients.
I had some leftover baby food that was all-vegetarian (green peas and kale) and using a small syringe, I force-fed him. Working with a tortoise his size is challenging as I have to be careful not to harm him and not to over-feed him. I was able to put some food in his mouth, hopefully this will provide him with some nutrients as he has not been eating much if at all over the last couple of days.
I've soaked him in warm water (Vet has also done so and was successful in clearing out his nares). I plan on doing daily soakings to get him rehydrated again. I heard from other tortoise keepers in the past that clear gatorade is good. I will look into that to see if the electrolytes can help.
After the Vet visit, I went to a local pet shop to buy new UVA/UVB lights to ensure that everything is up in working order. I feed my tortoise Spring mix salad, but have now added calcium to their diet. Vet recommended to use bananas to entice him to eat, I've not heard of bananas being used as part of their diet, so I would like to hear input from other tortoise keepers on this this.
At home, I placed my male back in his pen. He initially laid where I left him, with his head partially out and legs exposed. Eyes still closed and just out of energy. After approx half hour, he actually started to move and walked up to the food dish where he attempted to eat. He was able to take a few bites before he became tired and slept by the dish. Poor guy, its as if he's trying but cannot
Right now I am trying everything that I can to get him to be lively again. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Its a very tough time for both my tortoise and I
One of my 3 Egyptians has been sick over the past few days. The male adult, approx 19 years of age, has been lethargic, with sunken eyes (can't seem to open them for too long) and weight loss. He's also had a long history of clear/light drainage from his nostrils but lately has not been showing signs. However, his nares have been clogged for the past week or so and had difficulties trying to clear them out. The signs are pointing towards dehydration.
I've taken him to a local vet. Vet stated she believes his condition is related to his husbandry/care. I've had my male since 1997, and during those years, he's only been sick 2 or 3 times. He's always had a good appetite and was most active in the morning hours.
Vet gave me a grim prognosis, stating 50-50 in terms of him pulling through. She recommended feeding him Ensure to provide him with nutrients.
I had some leftover baby food that was all-vegetarian (green peas and kale) and using a small syringe, I force-fed him. Working with a tortoise his size is challenging as I have to be careful not to harm him and not to over-feed him. I was able to put some food in his mouth, hopefully this will provide him with some nutrients as he has not been eating much if at all over the last couple of days.
I've soaked him in warm water (Vet has also done so and was successful in clearing out his nares). I plan on doing daily soakings to get him rehydrated again. I heard from other tortoise keepers in the past that clear gatorade is good. I will look into that to see if the electrolytes can help.
After the Vet visit, I went to a local pet shop to buy new UVA/UVB lights to ensure that everything is up in working order. I feed my tortoise Spring mix salad, but have now added calcium to their diet. Vet recommended to use bananas to entice him to eat, I've not heard of bananas being used as part of their diet, so I would like to hear input from other tortoise keepers on this this.
At home, I placed my male back in his pen. He initially laid where I left him, with his head partially out and legs exposed. Eyes still closed and just out of energy. After approx half hour, he actually started to move and walked up to the food dish where he attempted to eat. He was able to take a few bites before he became tired and slept by the dish. Poor guy, its as if he's trying but cannot
Right now I am trying everything that I can to get him to be lively again. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Its a very tough time for both my tortoise and I