TUFF'S STORY

[ALDABRAMAN]

05-14-2016

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[wellington]

Really, you couldn't give him some privacy while he's pooping. Look at him look at you, too funny LOL

 

[surfergirl]

happy birthday tuff!! he is beautiful and a special tort!

 

[Oxalis]

Tuff is still such a little cutie! Glad to see the updates. Has he gone in for that bladder removal surgery yet?

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Has he gone in for that bladder removal surgery yet?

~ Not yet, we anticipate this year sometime, unsure exactly when. He is 37 pounds as of yesterday.

 

[Soefianto]

Any updates?

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

Any updates?

~ Doing great

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

 

[Oxalis]

Aww, video didn't work for me.

 

[wellington]

Me neither.

 

[wellington]

Btw GREG, if you were to be allowed into Tuffs surgery and allowed to film it, as long as it posed no harm to Tuff, that would be really interesting to see. Just a thought.
Also, please let us know when his surgery is, so we all can send only the best of thoughts for him and you. Understand if it's something you don't want to do until it's over, so just letting you know. Until I hear it's done and he's on recovery mode. I will be keeping him close at heart for good luck.

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

08-20-2016

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[Oxalis]

08-20-2016

View attachment 184241 ​

He looks so hugable!

 

[Taco*mom]

Hi Greg, I'm new here and I just found this thread. Gotta tell you I cannot stop reading it until your last post. Love Tuff's story and love the pictures. Tuff is so lucky to have you. All the best for Tuff and you too!

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

All the best for Tuff

~ Thank you

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

 

[Gillian M]

On 04-16-2011 the second aldabra hatched out from a clutch of twelve with out any type of issues. When removed from the incubator and during his first soaking we noticed that about the last 1/3 of his plastron was open/split exposing his insides. At this time the exposed internals seemed substantial giving us grave concerns that he was so compromised that he would not survive. We segregated him from the rest of his clutch mates to minimize his stress and monitor his condition more closely. We continued the same protocols as with all other hatchlings. He appeared alert, active, and seemed to have a healthy appetite. Over the next several weeks the majority of his open/split plastron did fuse together, however the last small section remained open exposing his personal organ. At the direction of our vet we continued the same protocols as any other hatchling with the exception of keeping him cleaner hoping his condition would self improve or at least continue to be manageable. He continued to grow other than his open/split section on his plastron not fusing. After about four months he seemed to be doing great in every way, other than his personal organ not being properly placed within his tail area and constantly being exposed. We soaked him often in efforts to help keep him clean and as sanitary as possible. The first day we released him from his protective pen he was strong and full of energy. He explored and navigated the entire new area with full throttle. After several hours he ended up next to the top portion of his old pen that was positioned up against the fence. He was so determined to climb up and onto that top portion, his efforts were so relentless, my thoughts were that this little guy is exceedingly tough. Well, after watching him for most of that day, his obvious will to never give up we decided to name him Tuff. After that day he has exceeded our expectations in many ways, never showing any signs of complications or issues. He basically thrived and continued to grow perfectly, other than his exposed organ and open/split plastron. He is smaller than we normally see for his age at our program, however we do not expect any further complications and that he should fully have a normal healthy life. He has been such a blessing, he seems to always be happy and enjoys his life so much. Tuff will be two years old next month!

Thanks for posting. Lovely torts.

 

[ALDABRAMAN]

 

[Oxalis]

He's such a doll!