NancKj
Member
Hi all. Very worried about my tortoise who has already seen 2 vets, with 2 different opinions. Naturally...
Male desert tortoise, age unknown but I have had him 28 years. 1 week ago noticed inappetite and less activity than usual. His last poop was a day or two after he stopped eating. Soaking did not have the desired result, so took him to a vet who claimed to be well versed in exotics including tortoises. Her interpertation of xrays was obstruction. Talked of surgery and death. Blood draw from jugular vein. Somehow in their handling of this very gentle tort, they injured his left eye. This was 3 days ago. Took him to a different vet today. He was not so impressed with xrays and not sure they explained his symptoms.
Stained and examined eye, no corneal ulcer, just swelling and clearly painful. Prescribed BNP ointment q12 hours. Tried enema but he said Ares was too strong and he did not want to hurt him. Recheck in one week, and if indicated he will sedate and do enema at that time. Bloodwork reportedly normal.
Laculose p.o ordered by 1st vet, but as he will not eat, I am afraid syringing into mouth may cause aspiration.
45 minute siaks in outside kiddie pool warmed by the sun to 95 degrees checked by thermometer. He is very active trying to escape but no poop.
He has been eating some watermelon, cactus fruit every day after soaks, but refused today. He just wanted to go lie down in his house. He seemed exhausted.
I am so angry at vet who hurt his eye, and who actually said to me, "oh, they don't really feel pain that much."
I am trying to get xrays to post here... How do I give lactulose to a tortoise who won't eat? Am I causing him to be so tired? 3 vet trips in 4 days.
Male desert tortoise, age unknown but I have had him 28 years. 1 week ago noticed inappetite and less activity than usual. His last poop was a day or two after he stopped eating. Soaking did not have the desired result, so took him to a vet who claimed to be well versed in exotics including tortoises. Her interpertation of xrays was obstruction. Talked of surgery and death. Blood draw from jugular vein. Somehow in their handling of this very gentle tort, they injured his left eye. This was 3 days ago. Took him to a different vet today. He was not so impressed with xrays and not sure they explained his symptoms.
Stained and examined eye, no corneal ulcer, just swelling and clearly painful. Prescribed BNP ointment q12 hours. Tried enema but he said Ares was too strong and he did not want to hurt him. Recheck in one week, and if indicated he will sedate and do enema at that time. Bloodwork reportedly normal.
Laculose p.o ordered by 1st vet, but as he will not eat, I am afraid syringing into mouth may cause aspiration.
45 minute siaks in outside kiddie pool warmed by the sun to 95 degrees checked by thermometer. He is very active trying to escape but no poop.
He has been eating some watermelon, cactus fruit every day after soaks, but refused today. He just wanted to go lie down in his house. He seemed exhausted.
I am so angry at vet who hurt his eye, and who actually said to me, "oh, they don't really feel pain that much."
I am trying to get xrays to post here... How do I give lactulose to a tortoise who won't eat? Am I causing him to be so tired? 3 vet trips in 4 days.