Tortoise not eating / freaking out

[Riley_Bennett13]

Hi everyone,

Rowdy the Russian tortoise is about seven years old now. Everything was fine up until a three days ago when I noticed he started ramming the walls and decor in his enclosure. I thought this was odd so I looked closer and he was walking around with his head sucked in his shell. I tried to coax him out and he wouldn’t budge. Then he would freak out and spin in circles inside his cage (not roam in circles, literally spin). That was the first day and he’s calmed down since, but still hasn’t eaten. Been soaking him every day to keep him hydrated but seems to be in pain as he won’t come out of his shell and is protecting his head with his arms. Vet can only see him on April 7th two and a half weeks from now. Help. Pictures of head for help. Is that yellow on his mouth?

 

[Lyn W]

Hi and welcome,
I'll tag some people with tort medical knowledge who'll be able to suggest ways to help.
@Yvonne G @zovick @ZenHerper @Tom @Markw84
Has he been wandering around out of his enclosure and possible been hurt by a door for example?
I ask because that happened to someone's star tort recently. It took a couple of weeks for the swelling to go down and for his head to emerge. I'll try and find the thread.
They can last a while without food but it's important to keep them hydrated as you are doing.
Is your vet a tortoise specialist?

 

[Riley_Bennett13]

Hi and welcome,
I'll tag some people with tort medical knowledge who'll be able to suggest ways to help.
@Yvonne G @zovick @ZenHerper @Tom @Markw84
Has he been wandering around out of his enclosure and possible been hurt by a door for example?
I ask because that happened to someone's star tort recently. It took a couple of weeks for the swelling to go down and for his head to emerge. I'll try and find the thread.
They can last a while without food but it's important to keep them hydrated as you are doing.
Is your vet a tortoise specialist?

Hi Lyn

I’m not sure, I’m located in Ottawa Canada and haven’t been to a vet with Rowdy since. He’s always been strong as I’ve been careful with him. I know the vet I’m bringing him too accepts reptiles and is one of 2 in ottawa. I know he hasn’t been hurt outside of his enclosure as I’m usually paying attention.

Appreciate any support the community can give.

Thanks again

 

[Tom]

What type of UV bulb are you using?
What substrate is he on? Is it damp?
What size enclosure?

 

[Riley_Bennett13]

What type of UV bulb are you using?
What substrate is he on? Is it damp?
What size enclosure?

His indoor enclosure during winter is 4' x 6' with Aspen substrate. Only damp after misting.
Bulb: Exo Terra Solar Glo 125w

 

[Mrs.Jennifer]

His indoor enclosure during winter is 4' x 6' with Aspen substrate. Only damp after misting.
Bulb: Exo Terra Solar Glo 125w

Is it possible that a piece of the aspen substrate is lodged in there and is causing the pain? It might be the reason he isn’t pushing his head out. Just a thought…

 

[Riley_Bennett13]

Is it possible that a piece of the aspen substrate is lodged in there and is causing the pain? It might be the reason he isn’t pushing his head out. Just a thought…

I just did a thorough check. Doesn’t seem to be anything in there. I actually just saw him extend his neck out a little bit. Still not eating but looks slightly better this morning.