Sick tort?

Gillian M

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2014
Messages
15,417
Location (City and/or State)
Jordan
I have a leopard tortoise hatchling that I bought at a reptile shop about 10 days ago, and like you, I noticed a bubble coming out on one side of his nose. The next day I took him to an exotic animal vet who diagnosed him with having an upper respiratory tract infection. He gave me the antibiotic Baytril with which I inject 10cc (via a shot) every day for 5 days and then every other day for another 5 days. Keeping my fingers crossed that he recovers. My advice is to not wait a minute longer getting him to a vet who specializes in exotic pets. Best of luck : )
That's my opinion: NOT to wait.
 

jessicaf

New Member
Joined
May 31, 2016
Messages
23
Location (City and/or State)
ADK NY
Sorry about that. How long has this been going on for? How about a visit to a vet?
We have an appt on Friday. The only exotic animal vet around here. A more local vet said he would see him but I don't want to risk taking him to a dog/ cat vet unless it's an emergency.
 

jessicaf

New Member
Joined
May 31, 2016
Messages
23
Location (City and/or State)
ADK NY
We
I have a leopard tortoise hatchling that I bought at a reptile shop about 10 days ago, and like you, I noticed a bubble coming out on one side of his nose. The next day I took him to an exotic animal vet who diagnosed him with having an upper respiratory tract infection. He gave me the antibiotic Baytril with which I inject 10cc (via a shot) every day for 5 days and then every other day for another 5 days. Keeping my fingers crossed that he recovers. My advice is to not wait a minute longer getting him to a vet who specializes in exotic pets. Best of luck : )
We have an appt on Friday. I have been forcing a little water, gave him some mineral oil, soaked..... I gave him some Chaga also. He looks so sad when he just sniffs his food. He loves to eat.
 

jessicaf

New Member
Joined
May 31, 2016
Messages
23
Location (City and/or State)
ADK NY
I think she died today. I took her to the bet on Friday. They dewormer her and gave her an antibiotic shot. Also gave her fluid. She perked up a little yesterday but today she was not well. Took her back for an emergency visit. They gave her more antibiotics and fluid. I think she may have passed away on the way home. How can I know for sure?
 

Gillian M

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2014
Messages
15,417
Location (City and/or State)
Jordan
I think she died today. I took her to the bet on Friday. They dewormer her and gave her an antibiotic shot. Also gave her fluid. She perked up a little yesterday but today she was not well. Took her back for an emergency visit. They gave her more antibiotics and fluid. I think she may have passed away on the way home. How can I know for sure?

So sorry about that. But how about checking; you never know: she may still be alive. I'd pick her up slowly and move her to see if there's any reaction. Hope there will be. Know what I mean?

Please keep us updated. And hope to hear good news.
 

Pearly

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Jul 14, 2015
Messages
5,287
Location (City and/or State)
Central Texas, Austin area
So sorry to hear! Do not bury her right away. We have had members here whose torts would go into coma like state, looking dead, and then started moving around again. Let's see if we can get @ZEROPILOT to share his experience
 

Gillian M

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2014
Messages
15,417
Location (City and/or State)
Jordan
So sorry to hear! Do not bury her right away. We have had members here whose torts would go into coma like state, looking dead, and then started moving around again. Let's see if we can get @ZEROPILOT to share his experience
True! @ZEROPILOT had a "nightmare" with Bertha, now that I remember. She seems to be fine now.
 

ZEROPILOT

REDFOOT WRANGLER
Moderator
Tortoise Club
5 Year Member
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jul 16, 2014
Messages
28,938
Location (City and/or State)
South Eastern Florida (U.S.A.)/Rock Hill S.C.
The treatment might have been too stressful for an already weakened tortoise.
Tortoises can seem absolutely dead and then recover.
Mine wouldn't even respond to being poked in the eye!
Keep him/her warm and do not disturb it for another 24 hours and wait at least 48 hours before you bury it.
Hopefully, it has shut itself down while he recovers.
Bertha was touch and go for a long while and today is in perfect health.
 

Gillian M

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2014
Messages
15,417
Location (City and/or State)
Jordan
The treatment might have been too stressful for an already weakened tortoise.
Tortoises can seem absolutely dead and then recover.
Mine wouldn't even respond to being poked in the eye!
Keep him/her warm and do not disturb it for another 24 hours and wait at least 48 hours before you bury it.
Hopefully, it has shut itself down while he recovers.
Bertha was touch and go for a long while and today is in perfect health.
Thanks a lot your answer as well as your help, Ed.
 

BrianWI

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Oct 31, 2011
Messages
1,001
Location (City and/or State)
Wisconsin
Sorry to hear about your tortoise. I have a sick tort too! :( Quick question for anyone to answer: Once on antibiotics, can the symptoms get worse before they get better?

Yes. After a treatment, warm and quiet is a good thing. Resist the urge to poke and prod them to see if they are alive. It won't help and can hurt.
 

jessicaf

New Member
Joined
May 31, 2016
Messages
23
Location (City and/or State)
ADK NY
Yes. After a treatment, warm and quiet is a good thing. Resist the urge to poke and prod them to see if they are alive. It won't help and can hurt.
Mine was much better the next day after fluids and a shot. She was way worse the following day. Died the next day. I hope yours gets better. I just bought a new one today. He seems very strong and very healthy.
 

Curlybird

Member
Joined
Aug 30, 2016
Messages
37
Location (City and/or State)
Berkshire, UK
He has a healthy appetite so I'm hoping for a full recovery. He's keeping himself to himself but I would too if I felt rubbish. Bless him ❤️
 

Gillian M

Well-Known Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Aug 28, 2014
Messages
15,417
Location (City and/or State)
Jordan
He has a healthy appetite so I'm hoping for a full recovery. He's keeping himself to himself but I would too if I felt rubbish. Bless him ❤️
Wishing your tort a speedy recovery.

Please keep us updated.
 

Yvonne G

Old Timer
TFO Admin
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 23, 2008
Messages
93,390
Location (City and/or State)
Clovis, CA
So sorry to hear that your tortoise died, Jessica. Did you ever figure out why he was sick in the first place?
 
Top