Very very sick Sulcata. Advice?

[Kadels]

Chuck Norris the Tortoise is very very sick. Several weeks ago, I posted here about a cut on his leg. It seemed that his shell had cut him. I took him to the vet, where they filed down his shell. They also said he had an infection, so we traded orally with baytril. They said it would take him a long time to heal, and to be patient.

is bad leg at all. The few times he did, it made more of a "thud" sound when it hit the tile. Also, a black spot has developed on the bottom of his foot – that had not been there before. I am taking him back to the vet in the morning, when they can sedate him and do a more thorough examination than when he is fully awake.

I had previously asked the vet, if his injury does not improve, what is the worst case scenario – would we have to amputate his leg? She replied that amputation is not really an option. These guys get so big, that they cannot handle just three legs. Options that are used on smaller tortoises, such as wheels, do not work for these big guys. She implied that the only option, if his leg does not heal, would be to euthanize him.

That scares me to death, and I have spent the entire day in tears, he is only three years old. I'd like to know if others have had experiences like this, and if there is any hope. My poor baby has done nothing wrong, and does not deserve this. He was supposed to outlive me - that was why I chose him. It hurts to much to bury my hedgehogs every 4-6 years.

 

[Tom]

When you first took the tortoise in, did the vet give an injection in that leg? Or has is just been oral meds? Did they take him to the back area without you at any time?

 

[Kadels]

He has oral meds and injections. The injections are every 3 days, but only in the front leg (the vet said injections in the back legs don't work) - so no injections in the injured leg.

Yes, the vet has had him without me on several occasions. He boarded at the vet for a few days after the injury got worse (the first time) because I was traveling and did not want the pet sitter to have to deal with meds.

 

[dmmj]

Did they do a blood test?pr just give meds? True large guys don't do well on 3 I am pretty sure I have seen large guys with wheels though.

 

[Tom]

That leg looks dead to me. Sorry. I have no experience with this, so no advice.

I don't see why a wheel wouldn't work for a big tortoise just as well as a small one. They sell wheels that can hold hundreds of pounds at every hardware store. This does not need to be a death sentence. Get a second opinion.

 

[Kadels]

No blood test, but a culture determined the ecoli.
Anyone know any good tortoise vets in North Texas? Willing to travel as much as we can without stressing him out.

 

[Kadels]

And yes Tom, it also sounds dead when he walks. I don't know how this happened. It was just a cut! I feel like such a terrible mom. :'o(

 

[leigti]

It does seem like I have seen threads on here about large tortoises with amputations. Didn't @Yvonne G and @Will have a large tortoise that dislocated his leg or something and they fixed a peg to the shell for a while to let it heal? I also don't see why they wouldn't be able to use a wheel or something similar for him to move around. But if the leg is turning black then it will need to be amputated, you don't want gangrene to set in. I am so sorry this is happening to your tortoise, please keep us updated.

 

[Yvonne G]

That dead part needs to be amputated. Then you can stick some sort of 'stump' on the shell just to raise up the shell. He can get along just fine with only three legs. Furniture slides, smooth cups, caster - anything that will slide freely through the grass will work. And you stick it onto his shell with epoxy or whatever works. It comes off as he grows and you just re-apply it.

 

[dmmj]

You don't need just a vet but an engineer as well. Go find a nerd.

 

[ddaigle]

Poor baby! I am so sorry that your baby is sick. If it were me I would get a second opinion. You and Chuck Norris will be in my thoughts. I wish the very best out come for you both.

 

[Big Charlie]

I'm so sorry. I hope Chuck Norris gets better soon. I think amputating and attaching a stump would work.

 

[Tort Love]

 

[Tort Love]

Don't give up poor guy

 

[Chantel]

Hope you found someone that can treat your tort!!!

 

[Tortoisefanatic88]

Do not give up!!!! There is still plenty of hope for your tortoise. That picture posted above says it all. 3 legs does not mean you have to put him down. Seek out some specialists and get some opinions and please keep us updated.

 

[Kadels]

Inspired by you guys and a friend, we are headed down to the vet school at Texas A&M tomorrow morning. Let's hope they are as innovative as they are skilled.

 

[Careym13]

Inspired by you guys and a friend, we are headed down to the vet school at Texas A&M tomorrow morning. Let's hope they are as innovative as they are skilled.

Good luck to you and your tort!!!

 

[Tort Love]

Good luck praying for you

 

[Kadels]

First of all, Chuck Norris the Tortoise is apparently Chuck Norris the FEMALE Tortoise. She survived the 3 hour drive to Texas A&M without incident. So did I.

It is confirmed she's going to lose her leg. We're not sure yet how much of it. They have CT scans, but need to analyze. Blood work will be back by Monday. Surgery will be Thursday. They will know more when they have all the info and open her up.

I left her with them so they can adjust her meds if needed. Also to avoid stressing her with another car ride. Also hoping they can do the surgery early. The board- certified reptile vet comes back on rotation next week, so that's perfect.

They *seem* pretty confident she'll be ok with either a peg leg or a wheel. I still cried - it's unfair she should have to lose a leg. She's been a very good tortoise.

I have no further explanation as to why this happened. I'll post some pics of the progression. First seeing the cut July 2. Last photos July 27 - just 25 days.