My 7 year old CDT, Frank, was attacked by a neighbor's dog today. The dog dug through the fence and got a hold of Frank. About 3 inches of his shell, carapace and plastron, were ripped off from the lower left side above the leg, exposing his organs. There are no skin or muscles I can see... just organs. Other parts of the shell were damaged but not serious. He still moves all his legs and head.
The emergency vet said it would be a humane thing to euthanize him as there is no way to patch him up and prognosis is poor.
We opted to get him cleaned and bandaged up and gave him pain, antibacterial and fluid injections for now.
We are going to see a specialist tomorrow.
I assume X-rays will be done.
What are your thoughts on the prognosis of tortoise with such injuries. Is there hope? What treatment options does he have? Frank was a very healthy and active tortoise before the incident.
About 7 years ago, this forum helped me save three very sick baby CDTs named Heidi, Frosty and Frank. Per experts recommendation here, I bathed them in warm carrot water and hand fed them for 4 months to bring them back from brink of death. Frank is a tough tort, largest of all 3. I hope he can survive this.
The emergency vet said it would be a humane thing to euthanize him as there is no way to patch him up and prognosis is poor.
We opted to get him cleaned and bandaged up and gave him pain, antibacterial and fluid injections for now.
We are going to see a specialist tomorrow.
I assume X-rays will be done.
What are your thoughts on the prognosis of tortoise with such injuries. Is there hope? What treatment options does he have? Frank was a very healthy and active tortoise before the incident.
About 7 years ago, this forum helped me save three very sick baby CDTs named Heidi, Frosty and Frank. Per experts recommendation here, I bathed them in warm carrot water and hand fed them for 4 months to bring them back from brink of death. Frank is a tough tort, largest of all 3. I hope he can survive this.
Last edited: