Urgent Help Needed (R.I.?)

[PMO]

Hi,

I have a Hermann Thigh spurred tortoise and am very worried about him, I think he is ill.

He has not really moved much in the past 2 weeks and has not eaten anything in the past 3 weeks. we normally feed him Romain lettuce leaves because that is all he seems to be interested in.

The other day I put him in water as I was worried he was not getting any because he was not eating. He drank the water which I thought was a good sign. I just picked him up and he is definately lighter but there also seemed to be some sticky goo coming out of his mouth and clearly he seems to be having issues breathing. Earlier today I picked some dandellion leaves from the garden but he is not interested. He is in his vivarium with the heat lamp on for the last days but has still not moved much at all and just seems to be sleeping all the time.

I am in fear that he is ill and may end up dying, I will be calling the vet tomorrow but was wondering if anyone on here could offer advice.

Very worried, Paul

 

[abclements]

Re: Urgent Help Needed

It sounds like a respiratory infection to me. Im not well versed in diagnosis. But for now, boost temps and decrease humidity. How old is your tort and how big is he? Pics would also be helpful for more experienced keepers. Also give us a run down of your temps and humidity. Basking, ambient, cool side and hide temps and humidity readings in the hide and in the same place you took your ambient temp.

 

[Yvonne G]

RE: Urgent Help Needed

Hi Paul. Sounds like your tortoise has been sick for quite a while. I'm glad that you're taking him to the vet because it sounds like he needs antibiotics.

Like Abclements said, boost the temp in the habitat up to about 85F. Sometimes a nice, warm soak does the tortoise a world of good.

The tortoise's diet might be one reason he got sick. Tortoises need more than romaine lettuce to be healthy. Here's a good care sheet for you to read while you wait for your vet appointment:

http://www.tortoiseforum.org/thread-63799.html