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Sudden Death in Aldabra Tortoises
Annalise
New Member, Female, from Seychelles
Sudden Death in Aldabra Tortoises
Annalise
New Member, Female, from Seychelles
- New
Hi Everyone
I am new to the Tortoise Forum. I have no idea how to make this a general conversation for everyone to see if you would assist me, Josh??
In November 2016 i was given 2 baby Aldabra Tortoises which were about 1 month old at the time and we also adopted a mis-treated 4 year old tortoise.
The older tortoise was very nervous around people and would go days without eating but the babies always ate well.
All the tortoises live outside in their enclosure. Note: we live in the Seychelles which is the origin of these tortoises, so they are living in their natural climate.
Last September we found the big tortoise dead in his cave one morning (so he would have been 5 years old). His neck was extended, almost like he had choked on food. We were devastated but had no way of understanding what had happened to him. The babies (now 1 year old) were fine and healthy and actually flourished a little more than before.
A few days ago we noticed the smaller of the two babies (Hammy) went off her food. We kept an eye on her and did some research and noted that its not unusual for a tortoise to not eat for a few days. We have had a lot of rain in the last weeks, but temperature still warm and their pen does not hold water and drains well. Yesterday, we checked on the tortoises in the morning and noticed Hammy was very weak and not moving much - she was clearly not well at all. We rushed to take her to the vet but on route she started gasping for air and appeared to pass away (went limp). I had read that tortoises can appear dead but be in some comatose state so carried on to the vet. The vet confirmed that there was some signs of life and gave her a steroid injection and said to monitor her. She never recovered and this morning we made the call that she was indeed gone. We have no idea what has happened?? We are so devastated and worry that it is something we have done/not done. We are not tortoise experts but do take very good care of them, making sure they are washed and have a varied diet.
I am just wondering if people have any ideas of what could be happening?? i am so scared the last one will die now.
Annalise, Today