Big Bertha Doing Great

[Pearly]

One more thing, "action-reaction" is one of the basic laws in our Universe. Keep positive attitude, be hopeful and things may turn around. They usually do. Maybe not hearing back from the vet after Bertha pulled her tube out was a blessing?... I'm not sure if I'd go as far as tube feeding myself. Some animals (just like us, humans) are born less strong/healthy than others and some illnesses can hit very hard even the strongest. It sounds like you trust your vet and I'm sure you had that discussion with her. I'm just being devil's advocate here, saying that perhaps Bertha's pulling her tube out was a blessing?... Just thinking about "action-reaction", man! that is so true with invasive medical procedures! It's at times like opening Pandora's box! I so hope that Bertha is on a mend now.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Bertha received the tube as a last effort after not eating for 3 to 4 months and slipping into a weakened state and could no longer support herself on her legs.
I began feeding her a slurry of Pedialite and Oxbow Critical Care.
A few weeks after the tube was placed she nibbled food and then started eating a lot. She ate for eleven days. The x ray shows that the food is still in there. Tortoise digestion is very slow. On the eleventh day, she ate in the morning, Mazuri tortoise chow and an hour later appeared to have died. The next day I found that she had not.
More tests were done. This time a mildly elevated white blood count was found.
She had totally stopped eating and drinking.
I started the rounds of antibiotics.
A few days later she pulled out her tube, stitches and all.
Since then she has begun to walk a little but is still not eating at all. Not drinking very much and can't seem to poop, although she is trying to constantly.
That is the mini history to bring everyone up to speed and to help better understand the situation.
Two vets. A dozen tests. An operation and about $2,000 spent. I wont stop at a $30 probiotic if it is deemed necessary.
I don't plan on giving up until she does.

 

[johnandjade]

this WILL have a happy ending, all across the globe people are sending positive vibes c'mon bertha TFO's in your corner

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Yes. And thank you everyone.

 

[Anyfoot]

Bertha received the tube as a last effort after not eating for 3 to 4 months and slipping into a weakened state and could no longer support herself on her legs.
I began feeding her a slurry of Pedialite and Oxbow Critical Care.
A few weeks after the tube was placed she nibbled food and then started eating a lot. She ate for eleven days. The x ray shows that the food is still in there. Tortoise digestion is very slow. On the eleventh day, she ate in the morning, Mazuri tortoise chow and an hour later appeared to have died. The next day I found that she had not.
More tests were done. This time a mildly elevated white blood count was found.
She had totally stopped eating and drinking.
I started the rounds of antibiotics.
A few days later she pulled out her tube, stitches and all.
Since then she has begun to walk a little but is still not eating at all. Not drinking very much and can't seem to poop, although she is trying to constantly.
That is the mini history to bring everyone up to speed and to help better understand the situation.
Two vets. A dozen tests. An operation and about $2,000 spent. I wont stop at a $30 probiotic if it is deemed necessary.
I don't plan on giving up until she does.

Well ed, nobody can doubt your commitment to Bertha. $2000. Jeez. Hope you got the sex of this one right. Lol.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Well ed, nobody can doubt your commitment to Bertha. $2000. Jeez. Hope you got the sex of this one right. Lol.

She has mothered many babies. She spent over ten years as a breeder.

 

[Anyfoot]

She has mothered many babies. She spent over ten years as a breeder.

Hope she brings you many juveniles.

 

[Anyfoot]

She has mothered many babies. She spent over ten years as a breeder.

Do you know how old she is?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Do you know how old she is?

23 to 26 years old. I just say 25 to simplify.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

There is a thunderstorm going on at home and my wife just called to tell me that Bertha is out walking around in the rain. Typical.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

There is a thunderstorm going on at home and my wife just called to tell me that Bertha is out walking around in the rain. Typical.

I hope nothing bad comes of it, but sorry, Ed, that is actually a bit funny.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

For months I've been keeping her spotlessly clean. Now she's in the mud.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

I know, not great, but surely Mrs Ed will bring her in and clean her off?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Mrs. Ed (KELLY) will not. Ever.

 

[Tidgy's Dad]

Mrs. Ed (KELLY) will not. Ever.

Oh, drat!
Thankfully, wifey would, bless her.

 

[Lyn W]

Oh, drat!
Thankfully, wifey would, bless her.

Naughty torty!
Wish I could pop over to help.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Our summer storms are pretty violent but short lived.
I'm sure she'll be done water skiing by the time I get home.
I leave soon.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Naughty torty!
Wish I could pop over to help.

Maybe you wouldn't want to.
I actually have SEVEN of them out there in the mud!

 

[Lyn W]

Maybe you wouldn't want to.
I actually have SEVEN of them out there in the mud!

I'd bring my wellies!

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I'd bring my wellies!

What are wellies, Lyn?