"Spastic" back leg in baby yellowfoot?

[dabayliss]

We have two baby yellowfoots; have had them for just under a year. Both eat like hogs, explore everything in sight -and generally seem healthy and happy.

Except, starting a couple of weeks ago - one of them seems to have developed a sporadic 'spastic' back leg. Rather more specifically - we will sometimes find her frantically wriggling her other three legs as if her back leg were caught in a trap and she were trying to pull it out.

At first it happened only at night when we put them back in their water dish for a quick soak before lights out. Today it is happening in her outdoor pen (no water anywhere near)

The 'cure' seems to be picking her up and 'cocooning' her with heat (hands) - she relaxes and then you can put her down and she will wander off as if nothing has happened.

So - has anyone else encountered this? Should I be worried? Is it just 'small tortoise not enjoying fall' ?

DAB

 

[sibi]

Don't know what's going on there, but keep an eye on her and see if she continues to do it. It just may be one of those freak things.

 

[Madkins007]

Sorry- no idea.

 

[tyler0912]

Sounds like Arthritis...I really dont eep an eye on!

 

[tortadise]

Hmm. Its just the one leg? maybe an internal problem. I think a DVM is going to be best bet. But find one thats good with tirtoises. Sorry just never heard of this before.

 

[Irwin4530]

just a guess....but do you give them protien?

 

[dabayliss]

We do give them protein; and she absolutely loves it - the other one not so much. Could that be a problem? All the other torts get protein once a week....

just a guess....but do you give them protien?