X-ray diagnosis needed

[stfan]

Following over a year since the last health issue my tortoise is swollen again and can no longer move. I took it to the vet, who prescribed antibiotics once more, but its bowel is not functioning for 2 weeks now. I also did an X-rays taken by a vet who is not specialized in reptiles, so I’m not sure if anything is wrong based on the results (the specilized vet is on vacations).

Can anyone "read" the attached x-ray?

 

[The Dashing Pistachio]

I would ask Yvonne G or Tom about t that x-ray

 

[Yvonne G]

To my UNTRAINED eye, it looks like there is nothing to worry about. I see a few very small stones, but no blockage. If you're worried he's constipated, set him in a tub of water he can't climb out of. Make it so the water comes up to the middle of his sides and just leave him in there. You want him to get tired of being in there so he tries to scramble around to get out. Scrambling releases the bowels'. Watch him so he doesn't get into trouble, but just leave him in there for an hour or two.

Usually, when you see the swollen tissue around the legs it's a kidney issue. But try the soaking thing and see if it helps.

 

[stfan]

He is swollen all over, including his neck and legs. Blood tests a year ago indicated kidney failure. I will have it rechecked when the vet returns from vacation.
I am going to try what you suggested. My only concern is that he hasn't moved at all for a week, so I'm not sure if he will try to scramble. But it's worth a try.
Thank you!

 

[Tom]

I agree with all of what Yvonne said.

 

[turtlesteve]

I suspect the tortoise is impacted. I see a grainy texture area that appears to be the digestive tract that is pretty big and full looking. But I am not an expert and you need to get this x-ray in front of a veterinarian that is experienced with tortoises.

 

[stfan]

I tried it and will try again today. The first time, he released some greenish urine but no feces. I'm thinking of trying to gentle cloacal flush.

 

[Yvonne G]

You can draw up some mineral oil in a syringe with no needle and gently insert it into the cloaca. Mineral oil is non absorbptive and just coats the blockage helping it to slide out.

 

[MaisieMoo]

You can draw up some mineral oil in a syringe with no needle and gently insert it into the cloaca. Mineral oil is non absorbptive and just coats the blockage helping it to slide out.

I’m a newbie tortoise owner and keen to learn as much as possible
Can you explain what mineral oil is please
Thank you

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

I’m a newbie tortoise owner and keen to learn as much as possible
Can you explain what mineral oil is please
Thank you

Mineral oil is also called white oil, paraffin oil, liquid paraffin or liquid petroleum. It is used as a laxative in pediatric medicine in some countries.

Liquid paraffin (drug) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[MaisieMoo]

Mineral oil is also called white oil, paraffin oil, liquid paraffin or liquid petroleum. It is used as a laxative in pediatric medicine in some countries.

Liquid paraffin (drug) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Thank you
I’ll make note of this information
I’m compiling a tortoise information file.