Sick Galapagos Tortoise

[Turtle Love]

Try not to worry. I know that may be easier said than done. I doubt he'd be out of town AND unavailable. It's pretty hardwired into those veterinary types to worry about their patients and to be thinking about those mystery cases that haven't been solved yet. It's never far from their minds.

Storming where I am. Checked to see if west palm beach three and a half hours south has any power outages that could explain @MKNOX rather abrupt disappearance. Not finding any outages. Maybe he is assisting his wife in surgery or something. Really expected to hear from him yesterday evening though.

 

[Pastel Tortie]

Storming where I am. Checked to see if west palm beach three and a half hours south has any power outages that could explain @MKNOX rather abrupt disappearance. Not finding any outages. Maybe he is assisting his wife in surgery or something. Really expected to hear from him yesterday evening though.

I'd be more concerned about communications providers having outages... Any number of things could make it harder to receive messages or make it more difficult to log in to the forum.

 

[Turtle Love]

Try not to worry. I know that may be easier said than done. I doubt he'd be out of town AND unavailable. It's pretty hardwired into those veterinary types to worry about their patients and to be thinking about those mystery cases that haven't been solved yet. It's never far from their minds.

He CALLED! I got to talk to him for quite a while! Now, I gotta get to work doing everything he told me to do. Will keep you all informed.

 

[Turtle Love]

I'd be more concerned about communications providers having outages... Any number of things could make it harder to receive messages or make it more difficult to log in to the forum.

Oh, you're RIGHT! I didn't think of provider outages. But it's OK because he CALLED me. I got to talk to him for quite a while and you were right - he's very concerned and keeping a close eye on the forum. He has just been VERY busy.

 

[Pastel Tortie]

@Turtle Love -- While you're waiting, you can channel some of that nervous energy into checking and double checking that you have everything you need ready for transporting Duchess. Now is a good time to make sure you have all your supplies on hand, wash bins and blankets, clean out your vehicle, check the air in the tires, download pictures and reports, print anything out that you've been meaning to, copy files to a USB or portable drive (so you can take them with you), charge or replace batteries, make a list and locate all those items you would like to take with you (but probably wouldn't remember all of them if you were suddenly in a rush to head out).

 

[Turtle Love]

@Turtle Love -- While you're waiting, you can channel some of that nervous energy into checking and double checking that you have everything you need ready for transporting Duchess. Now is a good time to make sure you have all your supplies on hand, wash bins and blankets, clean out your vehicle, check the air in the tires, download pictures and reports, print anything out that you've been meaning to, copy files to a USB or portable drive (so you can take them with you), charge or replace batteries, make a list and locate all those items you would like to take with you (but probably wouldn't remember all of them if you were suddenly in a rush to head out).

Thank you for the good advice and the list of things I need to remember to take with us. We've transported Dutchess several times but I always forget something. One thing I'm gonna remember for sure is a printout of some of these posts with all the good ideas and suggestions. And also a printout of the article about how fast to grow giant tortoises and soaking them. Mr. @MKNOX pointed me to that article several times during our conversation.

 

[Turtle Love]

Female, 25 yrs. Entire body swollen, worse in neck. She won't move or eat for 3 days. Same problem 6 months ago. Vet at University of FL in Gainesville thought low blood protein caused by inability of protein to pass thru gut into bloodstream causing body to compensate by leaking fluid. Flagyl helped but 6 months later problem returned. I'm wondering if it could be renal failure but don't know why vet didn't suggest renal problem. Flagyl isn't helping this time. She is very sick. Can anyone help?

Ok. Here's what's happening. Got an emergency appointment tomorrow at University of FL in Gainesville at 2pm tomorrow. They would have taken her today but we could have never gotten her loaded and transported there before they closed. Got her to wake up and sip a little water today. Afterward, she tried to turn around but couldn't. But the fact that she tried somehow made me think she can make it until tomorrow. Praying it's true.

 

[Pastel Tortie]

Ok. Here's what's happening. Got an emergency appointment tomorrow at University of FL in Gainesville at 2pm tomorrow. They would have taken her today but we could have never gotten her loaded and transported there before they closed. Got her to wake up and sip a little water today. Afterward, she tried to turn around but couldn't. But the fact that she tried somehow made me think she can make it until tomorrow. Praying it's true.

I realize tortoises don't possess or process emotions the way humans do, but I imagine they do pick up on it when one of their humans is stressed and upset. This afternoon was probably the first time in a long while that Duchess has seen you so positive, so hopeful and excited about tomorrow. She may have no idea what tomorrow has in store, but she can tell that you are in a better mood now. Reducing your level of anxiety might directly or indirect reduce hers as well.

 

[NorCal tortoise guy]

hoping for her recovery

 

[Turtle Love]

I realize tortoises don't possess or process emotions the way humans do, but I imagine they do pick up on it when one of their humans is stressed and upset. This afternoon was probably the first time in a long while that Duchess has seen you so positive, so hopeful and excited about tomorrow. She may have no idea what tomorrow has in store, but she can tell that you are in a better mood now. Reducing your level of anxiety might directly or indirect reduce hers as well.

Yes, I do my best to take a deep breath and settle down before visiting her. So afraid she won't make it for us to get her to the vet. But have to put it out of my mind when I'm with her.

 

[Turtle Love]

@Turtle Love -- While you're waiting, you can channel some of that nervous energy into checking and double checking that you have everything you need ready for transporting Duchess. Now is a good time to make sure you have all your supplies on hand, wash bins and blankets, clean out your vehicle, check the air in the tires, download pictures and reports, print anything out that you've been meaning to, copy files to a USB or portable drive (so you can take them with you), charge or replace batteries, make a list and locate all those items you would like to take with you (but probably wouldn't remember all of them if you were suddenly in a rush to head out).

LOL!!! Was just reviewing your list again of things to get ready for tomorrow. I think you thought of EVERYTHING.

 

[Pastel Tortie]

LOL!!! Was just reviewing your list again of things to get ready for tomorrow. I think you thought of EVERYTHING.

I try. Chalk part of it up to my emergency management background.

 

[Pastel Tortie]

@Turtle Love -- Thinking of you and Duchess today and sending warmest, most positive and hopeful thoughts for her trip to UF today.

The weather may be challenging today. Safe travels, and best wishes.

 

[Turtle Love]

@Turtle Love -- Thinking of you and Duchess today and sending warmest, most positive and hopeful thoughts for her trip to UF today.

The weather may be challenging today. Safe travels, and best wishes.

Yes, it was a 3 and 1/2 hour cold ride for Dutchess. Not good but had to get her to the vet.

@Turtle Love -- Thinking of you and Duchess today and sending warmest, most positive and hopeful thoughts for her trip to UF today.

The weather may be challenging today. Safe travels, and best wishes.

And thank you SO MUCH for your concern and great advice!

 

[Turtle Love]

Female, 25 yrs. Entire body swollen, worse in neck. She won't move or eat for 3 days. Same problem 6 months ago. Vet at University of FL in Gainesville thought low blood protein caused by inability of protein to pass thru gut into bloodstream causing body to compensate by leaking fluid. Flagyl helped but 6 months later problem returned. I'm wondering if it could be renal failure but don't know why vet didn't suggest renal problem. Flagyl isn't helping this time. She is very sick. Can anyone help?

Hi everyone. What a hard day! Took HOURS for us to get Dutchess loaded. Truck won't fit thru the gates and she can't walk so had to wheel her to truck. We spilled our guts to get her on handcart then couldn't roll it in the sand. Spilled more guts to tip her on her side to get her in wheelbarrow laying on its side. Then we couldn't push the wheelbarrow upright. So took her cart to her but wheels dug into sand and wouldn't roll. When we finally got her in the cart, we couldn't push the cart up the ramp onto the truck. Her appointment was at 2pm. We finally got her loaded at 3pm. Then 2 and 1/2 hour drive became 3 and 1/2 because accident on interstate. Finally got there close to 6pm after they closed. But God Bless the vet. She WAITED for us! Think I'm suffering from PTSD now! LOL. With first exam, the vet is guessing heart failure or renal failure. Ugh! We got her there so late that they can't run any tests now until Monday. But I know she's warm and in good hands till then. Thought you would all want to know.

 

[MKNOX]

Turtle Love, I am glad to hear that you got her to U.F. again I am sorry for the delay in getting back to you this week. I was crazy busy with work, finals, and transitioning over to a new payroll company at tha clinic. Among a million other things. I was very happy to finally talk to you. I am praying for your girl. Thank you for the text regarding her appt. Please keep me updated as to her progress. Once she is home I will try to get over to meet her with my wife so we can establish a client/ patient relationship. Once we do that I can be much more helpful over the phone without legal/ethical concerns. Again I am praying for you both.

 

[Turtle Love]

Turtle Love, I am glad to hear that you got her to U.F. again I am sorry for the delay in getting back to you this week. I was crazy busy with work, finals, and transitioning over to a new payroll company at tha clinic. Among a million other things. I was very happy to finally talk to you. I am praying for your girl. Thank you for the text regarding her appt. Please keep me updated as to her progress. Once she is home I will try to get over to meet her with my wife so we can establish a client/ patient relationship. Once we do that I can be much more helpful over the phone without legal/ethical concerns. Again I am praying for you both.

Thank you so much. You have already been so helpful and given me hope. AND helped convince my better half to get her to a vet! Heart failure seems to be the preliminary diagnosis. Or possibly renal failure. Don't know the prognosis for those diagnoses but neither sounds good to me. Just have to wait and see what happens. I asked the vet about ameba related to systemic septicemia. She felt sure they would have found signs of ameba in the fecal material. She said they tested everything six ways to Sunday with the stool sample 6 months ago.
Yes, I would LOVE for us to develop a client/patient relationship. And don't worry at all about being so busy. I understand completely. One thing I learned today is that me and David have GOT to come up with a better plan for loading Dutchess. It was a NIGHTMARE and so hard on her and David both. I was so afraid that we weren't going to be able to get her on the truck which meant not getting her to the vet. Definitely considering getting one of those hydraulic-lift tables you mentioned which is what the vet staff used to get her OFF the truck. Feeling so much better now that she's there, safe and warm. Thank you again so much for your advice and concern. Will keep you informed on her progress. They are going to use diagnostic ultrasound to look at her heart. YOU could have done that, LOL.

 

[KarenSoCal]

I am so very glad to hear you got her there, but sorry it was so difficult. Please keep all of us updated! I know I am concerned for her, and praying too. I want to see this girl healthy!

 

[Pastel Tortie]

I'm so glad to hear you were able to get Dutchess to UF. Sounds like you all had a very challenging day (and journey)!

I have little to no idea what an appropriate hydraulic lift would cost, but if it turns out to be a significant investment, I would suggest looking into other options for moving a giant tortoise in the meantime.

Does anyone have suggestions? Dutchess can't walk on her own, so think options for moving very heavy, large, precious furniture.

The sand seems to pose additional difficulty, both for loading Dutchess onto a cart and for moving anything wheeled. I'm wondering if you could cut some plywood boards to make a temporary path across the sandy area so the wheels won't sink into the sand.

I don't remember if you said you had a ramp for the truck, but even with a ramp, Dutchess is a heavy load to push or lift. Perhaps someone could rig a pulley system to help get her up the ramp?

 

[Turtle Love]

Female, 25 yrs. Entire body swollen, worse in neck. She won't move or eat for 3 days. Same problem 6 months ago. Vet at University of FL in Gainesville thought low blood protein caused by inability of protein to pass thru gut into bloodstream causing body to compensate by leaking fluid. Flagyl helped but 6 months later problem returned. I'm wondering if it could be renal failure but don't know why vet didn't suggest renal problem. Flagyl isn't helping this time. She is very sick. Can anyone help?

Big day for Dutchess today! She has been resting peacefully at UF for 2 days. Today, she gets her cardiac ultrasound test. They will probably have the results today and will call me. The staff has been so good, calling me every morning to tell me how she's doing (letting me know she made it thru another nite). Will update this forum as soon as I know the test results.