Worried!

[*Amber*]

Hello, I rescued a Hermann's tortoise on the 3rd October, and he was very ill when I got him, and had been attacked by a fox or dog. I was told he was underweight. He wouldn't eat at all to start with, but now he is eating well in his indoor enclosure, but I am concerned that his weight still hasn't really changed! He was 393g when I got him, and he is now 404g. He seems lively and seems to enjoy munching his weeds, I always put nutrobal on his food, but I'm concerned he hasn't put a lot of weight on. I am new to tortoises, I'm trying to take everything in and learn.

 

[JoesMum]

Have you checked for Worms? If he's carrying a load, he won't put on weight.

 

[Yvonne G]

Did you go through an antibiotic treatment with him? He may have an underlying infection brought on by being chewed. The wounds may have healed, but there still might be infection going on inside. A blood test would tell you.

 

[*Amber*]

He has been wormed with Panacur, and yes, he was on a course of antibiotics for his shell wounds, but the vet wasn't too concerned as the bite wounds weren't deep, but he wanted to give him antibiotics just to be safe, and I also washed the wounds daily with an antiseptic solution. He seems very lively, and munches away at his grub. How much should he weigh if his shell is about 5 inches long?

 

[Torty Mom]

I am by far not an expert, but there is still some weigh gain so that is good. Keep a watchful eye, sounds like you have done everything! Wishing you some tortie weight gain!

 

[Yvonne G]

Take a look through the "library" section in Madkins007's signature. I think he has a scale you can figure out size/weight for Hermann's tortoises.

 

[nikki0601]

I am no expert either but to me he seems to be doing well, I wouldn't expect a large weight gain from a tort who is rehabbing serious injury, from what u have said I would say u have done well, and the tort sounds like he is bout all better

 

[ascott]

I have to agree....give him a high five and yourself too.....if he was traumatized and then started to settle and heal and then appetite came back and now you see a weight increase....then he is on track and you two are doing great...don't fret just keep on keeping on....

 

[*Amber*]

Thank you all so much for your replies, that's made me feel a lot better! He really does look like he's enjoying his food. I just worry about him a lot! Thanks again.