OK; I like being ready for a problem should it arise; but I can only imagine getting a "pocket rocket" and try to explain" its for my tortoise".
OK; I like being ready for a problem should it arise; but I can only imagine getting a "pocket rocket" and try to explain" its for my tortoise".
Was it determined if these are urates or actual stones he has swallowed? When mine defecates it looses from 3-6 grams in weight. So with yours; this kind of weight loss makes me think he probably passed one of the stones. Hopefully the largest one which was acting as a plug and now the rest will pass. If not the loss of the one stone might allow a skilled herp vet to go in and break them up; if they do not start passing on their own. I'd continue hydration soaks and and lots of leafy greens with water sprayed on them.' or mineral oil. This is one of those times that lettuce can be added to the feed; being its mostly water. You mentioned a possible infection; or was it just swollen tissue from exertion, If you have an infection you might want to set up a hospital tank;with higher temps and humidity; as well as no substrate that could aggravate the infection. If you use paper towels; you will be able to determine if he's urinating . If is feeding and passing stools; and behavior remains the same; I would do what I could to avoid the surgical; approach. Go back in a few days and have another xray to see if there has been any change.
The x-rays are very poor quality. It is very difficult to determine the location of the stones/rocks. They look very large to be bladder stones at such a young age. Were there rocks in the enclosure for the tortoise to eat? If housed indoors, then they may likely be bladder stones. There was a paper published some time ago in the UK, where they taped a Vibrator (pocket rocket) to the plastron to simulate vibration and possibly break up the stones. Results were mixed but worth a try. Some better xrays may be of value.
I think this is just a her hospital set up....in her last post she mentions using coir. I am too shy to go into detail about "pocket rocket".....so maybe in a private message someone could explain it to her.....and I agree with blanket; unless it was one of those mylar space blankets.oooboy! I'd sure be afraid of that blanket catching fire over the hot lights. Just curious why you don't use substrate?
It would not be "poop"; but a urate concentration; a by product of protein metabolism; that is released in the urine. Although sometimes it will appear on the fecal material, When the tortoise is not properly hydrated; it builds and begins to harden into a stone like discharge. When normal its more of a toothpaste consistency; and even thinner. Its when it becomes granular; it starts to become a problem. So keep up the hydration therapy; and watery greens with mineral water. Check to make sure it doesn't prolapse again. Eating is good; even if reduced; and still moving around; is also good. Once you are sure its not going to prolapse again; I would set up enclosure with coir substrate; and keep it enclosed; so humidity levels can be at 80%. And take Yvonne's warning about blanket over lights...dangerous fire hazard. And don't be too hard on vet; there are not that many worldwide that have alot of experience with tortoises; and alot of them are working with outdated information. Hope your tomorrow is a better day; and please keep us all posted on what happens.Thanks @deadheadvet. I will look into finding stuff that similar to this pocket rocket. You just confirmed how very not qualified my local vet is. Poor xray too. Shame on them. Right now I am hoping those are just hardened poop and not stones. Hoping for a better day today.
oooboy! I'd sure be afraid of that blanket catching fire over the hot lights. Just curious why you don't use substrate?
Your post is enough to make me realize what pocket rocket is. So pleaseee, no need anybody pm me explaining itI think this is just a her hospital set up....in her last post she mentions using coir. I am too shy to go into detail about "pocket rocket".....so maybe in a private message someone could explain it to her.....and I agree with blanket; unless it was one of those mylar space blankets.
excellent; but please keep the hydration routine going as there are probably more that needs to flush outHeyy guysss,
Great news! As E was having his outdoor time this afternoon, he was straining and straining. And voilaaaa.
excellent; but please keep the hydration routine going as there are probably more that needs to flush out
do not limit yourself to just one week....I would continue to administer additional soaks and hydration until any urates that do come out are creamy or none at all.That's the plan!
I'm afraid there are still more stones or hardened poop inside. Btw, all my torts are soaked twice daily. So I plan to keep E a lot more in a the water, like these past 2 days, for about a week or so.
Like Tom has hinted, they all came from a breeder who raised them really dry. For those who are interested, you can check my previous thread. Beware of the dry method. It kills!