What is this?

[TuttleTime55]

My tortoise is walking around with this hanging from the underside of the tail. I'm not sure if it's his penis or a prolapse. I am prepared to take him to the ER is necessary but I just wanted to get a confirmation before I stress him out with a drive that would be unnecessary.

 

[Yvonne G]

If it doesn't go back in it's a prolapsed penis. Make a slurry of sugar/water. Put the slurry on a piece of kitchen plastic wrap and cover the penis with it, taping it around the shell like a diaper. The sugar helps decrease the swelling. If it won't go back in it may require amputation.

 

[TuttleTime55]

How long should I wait for it to go back in before I try the sugar?

 

[Yossarian]

How long should I wait for it to go back in before I try the sugar?

how long has it been like this?

 

[TuttleTime55]

how long has it been like this?

Just noticed it. Maybe up to an hour or so

 

[Yossarian]

Just noticed it. Maybe up to an hour or so

that sounds too long.

 

[Lyn W]

Maybe give him a soak to see if that helps?
I wouldn't put him back on his substrate - try to keep it clean.
@ZenHerper @zovick

 

[TuttleTime55]

The prolapse has resolved but he pooped out this beast. I believe he was constipated/blocked.

 

[TuttleTime55]

This poop is extremely hard, almost like stone. Is this a bladder stone?

 

[Ink]

Can you cut it in half?

 

[TuttleTime55]

Can you cut it in half?

I was able to cut it in half but I had to use a small hacksaw.

 

[Sarah2020]

Try to increase water intake regular soaks for 40 mins they drink whilst in it and fresh veg and flowers provided washed to increase hydration.

 

[TuttleTime55]

Try to increase water intake regular soaks for 40 mins they drink whilst in it and fresh veg and flowers provided washed to increase hydration.

I will do that, thank you! What do you think this is though? Caused by calcium oxalates?

 

[zovick]

I was able to cut it in half but I had to use a small hacksaw.

That is a bladder stone, pure and simple. These usually occur from the tortoise not being hydrated enough. They can be life-threatening as well. Luckily, the tortoise was able to pass this one without its health being adversely affected.

To prevent this problem from reoccurring in the future , I would recommend soaking your tortoise daily in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes or so to ensure that it is staying well hydrated. Also you can feed it foods high in water content such as cucumbers, green and yellow squashes, bok choy, tomatoes, and romaine lettuce (all of these average over 90% water content).

 

[zovick]

I will do that, thank you! What do you think this is though? Caused by calcium oxalates?

It is hardened urates. Not sure if made up of oxalates or not, though.

 

[zovick]

My tortoise is walking around with this hanging from the underside of the tail. I'm not sure if it's his penis or a prolapse. I am prepared to take him to the ER is necessary but I just wanted to get a confirmation before I stress him out with a drive that would be unnecessary.

View attachment 320859

Just out of curiosity, what species of tortoise is this? I can't quite tell from what I can see in the photo.

 

[zovick]

I will do that, thank you! What do you think this is though? Caused by calcium oxalates?

You might find this information helpful in understanding the process of bladder stone formation in a tortoise:

Urine, Urates, Uric Acid, Nitrates. A WASTE Product but not a WASTE of Time.

Urate: A salt derived from uric acid. When the body cannot metabolize uric acid properly, urates can build up in body tissues or crystallize within the joints.

crazycrittersinc.com

.

 

[TuttleTime55]

Just out of curiosity, what species of tortoise is this? I can't quite tell from what I can see in the photo.

Sulcata, about 4 years old

 

[vladimir]

Glad he passed it safely! Thanks for sharing

 

[KarenSoCal]

That HAD to hurt! ?