To Be....Or Not To Be ....sick?

Cathie G

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???
Thank you for all your well wishes and prayers.!
You have no idea how YOU have impacted my life with your caring, and I don’t even know you!??? ?
Isn’t that the best!!!??
I love a complete and total stranger?
?????
I LOVE that!!!!
You are already in my nightly prayers!
As are the rest of you !!!
?????

THANK YOU ALL FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!!!!

and I agree... my Sally is just being a
Punk head!! Almost like teenager that goes against the parents rules... ?
I can’t wait till this is all in the past as well.
Because I have to tell you about my
pet SNAIL....”Gary”!!!!!
He was found in a head of lettuce that I bought for Sally...
Couldn’t throw him away!!!
So I gave him a house ?.?

All Gods creatures deserve a great life!!
Even as small as they come.. ?
I remember Gary and was actually wondering about him the other day ? I love you and the rest of the people I know here more than most of my family members too. They think I'm weird. Guess what? I'm glad! because I don't wanna be like them. I'm still waiting to get a picture of the snails in my yard for you. I'm sure Sally will continue to improve with your good care.☺️
 

ZenHerper

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Thank you for this reply but....
Could you tell me where to get a hold of a
“Reptile Probiotic Replacement”??
and would it hurt any eggs if they are present?

Update : the vet just called and there was a “mix up”. Said they were already booked for the time I was to go in. They said the only apt they had left for me was
July 13 at 12:30 pm..!
Will that be to late?
They said I could always come in as an
“Emergency” but when I do that, it is
$389 before they even look at her...
???

She is my whole heart so if it comes to going as an emergency I of course would take her in ASAP.
But how dare they offer that!
Because an emergency would not bring
The “specialized” exotic doctor in out of his bed!
Last time I went to this doctor as an emergency I was given an intern just out of school!!!!
Good thing he knew his stuff.
And I challenged him at ever turn, make no mistake about that. I just don’t hand my baby over to anyone.
He filled me with his “doctors terms”
but thanks to THIS forum I knew everything he was talking about.
Although I answered him in Laymans terms,
He knew .... I knew MY ?. ?

THANKS TO ALL ON THIS WHOLE FORUM FOR BEING SOOOO EDUCATED AND HELPFUL AT EVERY TURN OF
“THE DAYS OF SALLYS LIVES”. ?
Probiotics are the bacteria that live symbiotically in our digestive tract. They help us break down food and absorb nutrients, and they are a vital part of the normal immune system. You know, those buggies you get from yogurt. They won't hurt any eggs.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058DVVAM/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

You are the only person who knows if you are having an emergency. I'd call them a few times a day to find out if there has been a cancellation. And to remind them they cancelled an appointment they assigned to your sick pet. Scheduling errors should be handled in-house, IMO, not at a client's expense. (Consider going over reception's head to the hospital manager.)
 

Jan A

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Probiotics are the bacteria that live symbiotically in our digestive tract. They help us break down food and absorb nutrients, and they are a vital part of the normal immune system. You know, those buggies you get from yogurt. They won't hurt any eggs.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058DVVAM/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

You are the only person who knows if you are having an emergency. I'd call them a few times a day to find out if there has been a cancellation. And to remind them they cancelled an appointment they assigned to your sick pet. Scheduling errors should be handled in-house, IMO, not at a client's expense. (Consider going over reception's head to the hospital manager.)
I had the same problem with the vet's office before we moved. Receptionist was new, told me I couldn't get a medical grooming for my 25 lb cat, gave me a date, then called the day before the date she gave me & demanded we show up for the apptment that moment.... I was glad we were moving.

I'd tell the vet's office it is an emergency because they've turned it into one. And i'd go up the ladder at this point. You're exhausted & your tort needs an xray. You shouldn't have to pay emergency fees for a situation they've now created. Surely they can at least xray Sally sooner than 2 weeks.

I am so sorry this is happening to you & Sally. I'd better find the trash can lid & round up the rescue gang!!
 

Chefdenoel10

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Probiotics are the bacteria that live symbiotically in our digestive tract. They help us break down food and absorb nutrients, and they are a vital part of the normal immune system. You know, those buggies you get from yogurt. They won't hurt any eggs.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058DVVAM/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

You are the only person who knows if you are having an emergency. I'd call them a few times a day to find out if there has been a cancellation. And to remind them they cancelled an appointment they assigned to your sick pet. Scheduling errors should be handled in-house, IMO, not at a client's expense. (Consider going over reception's head to the hospital manager.)

Thank you!
I just ordered it!
As for the doctors office, you are 100% correct. I know when I see an emergency or not and I don’t feel like this is one.
But I have my eyes ears and nose open to everything going on with her.
I did speak with the “chief “ in charge when I called back and he said there was nothing they could do as this is a busy practice.
I informed him of emergencies and what does he do when one comes in?
They MUST postpone other office visits, surgeries and tea breaks accordingly. Right?
I also asked if I could see any one doctor for 15 mins because all I wanted was an X-ray. His reply was that I needed to see a doctor that was trained to handle my species...
and told me to call every other day to see if there were any cancellations..
I have to call????? ?

you see???

This is why I hate going to this doctor.
He is NEVER around
He works in three places all over and they say.... HE IS THE BEST IN NJ FOR EXOTICS... (Oradel Animal Hospital)

I now have three places to use..

1)-This being the main one.. (Oradell Animal Hospital)

2)- The other one is wonderful and the doctor was really nice and helpful.... till she gave my tortoise a vitamin A shot...IN THE BACK LEG!!!
(Franklin Lakes Animal Hospital for exotic)

3)-The third AWSOME place is a 2 hour drive and has a tendency to “keep her over night”.. $$$
She was gone from me for FOUR nights!!
(A little insite to our lives, we have NEVER been apart over night since I got her as a baby 4 months old)...NEVER.
But they were very helpful when I saw them last... and the doctor let’s me email her to ask questions (free!)

Soo.. that’s my plan for tomorrow.
To email this lady and ask if she could “fit me in” she is good like that.
I figured if I called the secretary she would just give me the schedule..
I want to bypass that mess and go directly to the source.

Thank you for ALL of your help!! ?
 

Chefdenoel10

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Probiotics are the bacteria that live symbiotically in our digestive tract. They help us break down food and absorb nutrients, and they are a vital part of the normal immune system. You know, those buggies you get from yogurt. They won't hurt any eggs.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058DVVAM/?tag=exoticpetnetw-20

You are the only person who knows if you are having an emergency. I'd call them a few times a day to find out if there has been a cancellation. And to remind them they cancelled an appointment they assigned to your sick pet. Scheduling errors should be handled in-house, IMO, not at a client's expense. (Consider going over reception's head to the hospital manager.)


P.S.

I also forgot to ask...
I bought Flukers “reptaboost” awhile ago...
Would that be the same thing??
(I ordered what you sent anyway to be on the safe side).?
 

Chefdenoel10

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I had the same problem with the vet's office before we moved. Receptionist was new, told me I couldn't get a medical grooming for my 25 lb cat, gave me a date, then called the day before the date she gave me & demanded we show up for the apptment that moment.... I was glad we were moving.

I'd tell the vet's office it is an emergency because they've turned it into one. And i'd go up the ladder at this point. You're exhausted & your tort needs an xray. You shouldn't have to pay emergency fees for a situation they've now created. Surely they can at least xray Sally sooner than 2 weeks.

I am so sorry this is happening to you & Sally. I'd better find the trash can lid & round up the rescue gang!!

? yep!!! It would be good to see the gang again!!?
Only... I don’t want to be the one that needs the help!!!! ?
Come on then Gammera....

we go get Godzilla (@chubbs)....
Mothra (@snoopysmom)
and Rodan (@ maggie3fan)

Let’s cause a commotion.... ?
 

ZenHerper

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P.S.

I also forgot to ask...
I bought Flukers “reptaboost” awhile ago...
Would that be the same thing??
(I ordered what you sent anyway to be on the safe side).?
Reptaid (old name)/Reptaboost is a protein/calorie supplement intended for insectivoires/omnivoires. It's probably fine for a large/giant species of tort, but is not labelled for torts or herbivoires. It does not contain probiotic bacterial cultures.
 

zovick

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Messages
3,387
P.S.

I also forgot to ask...
I bought Flukers “reptaboost” awhile ago...
Would that be the same thing??
(I ordered what you sent anyway to be on the safe side).?
@Chefdenoel10
The product you want is Bene-Bac Plus. Note that is comes in two formulations: Avian for birds and reptiles (green label) and a separate mammalian formula (blue label). It also comes as either a powder or a gel. I have always used the powder, but either will work fine for your tortoise. All you need to do is get her to eat some of it by putting it on a favorite food item for a day or two. I used to give this to all of my tortoises once a month.

Here is one representative link to the product:
 

Chefdenoel10

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@Chefdenoel10
The product you want is Bene-Bac Plus. Note that is comes in two formulations: Avian for birds and reptiles (green label) and a separate mammalian formula (blue label). It also comes as either a powder or a gel. I have always used the powder, but either will work fine for your tortoise. All you need to do is get her to eat some of it by putting it on a favorite food item for a day or two. I used to give this to all of my tortoises once a month.

Here is one representative link to the product:

Thank you Zovick!!!!
I trust you!!!
so I just bought it from chewy.com..

Also..
UPDATE:

Houston We Have Touch Down!” (?)
Yaaaaaayyyyyy!!!!
It was about 4” long and blackish color and hard (but not too hard) like a
REGULAR ? should look and feel like.

I DOUBLE bagged it and am going to send it for exam.. for now it’s in the refrigerator..

This is a good thing right?
I mean that means there is no blockage...
Still may have eggs...
But at least no trauma to the bum area..

I never thought I’d be so happy to see ??
For me when I see it it symbolizes that everything is running correctly. No?


Thanks again for that advice!
AND THE LINK!!!! ?
Made it so much easier to get..
 

Krista S

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Thank you Zovick!!!!
I trust you!!!
so I just bought it from chewy.com..

Also..
UPDATE:

Houston We Have Touch Down!” (?)
Yaaaaaayyyyyy!!!!
It was about 4” long and blackish color and hard (but not too hard) like a
REGULAR ? should look and feel like.

I DOUBLE bagged it and am going to send it for exam.. for now it’s in the refrigerator..

This is a good thing right?
I mean that means there is no blockage...
Still may have eggs...
But at least no trauma to the bum area..

I never thought I’d be so happy to see ??
For me when I see it it symbolizes that everything is running correctly. No?


Thanks again for that advice!
AND THE LINK!!!! ?
Made it so much easier to get..
HIP-HIP POO-RAY!! (instead of hooray…get it? lol). Way to go Sally! Now that she got a ? the size of my tortoise out, it’ll be interesting to see if she starts to return more to her normal self again. For now though, this is great news! ❤️
 

zovick

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Joined
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Messages
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Thank you Zovick!!!!
I trust you!!!
so I just bought it from chewy.com..

Also..
UPDATE:

Houston We Have Touch Down!” (?)
Yaaaaaayyyyyy!!!!
It was about 4” long and blackish color and hard (but not too hard) like a
REGULAR ? should look and feel like.

I DOUBLE bagged it and am going to send it for exam.. for now it’s in the refrigerator..

This is a good thing right?
I mean that means there is no blockage...
Still may have eggs...
But at least no trauma to the bum area..

I never thought I’d be so happy to see ??
For me when I see it it symbolizes that everything is running correctly. No?


Thanks again for that advice!
AND THE LINK!!!! ?
Made it so much easier to get..
No problem. Glad to hear the tortoise passed a BM.

Now good luck with the possible eggs! By the way, any vet should be able to X-ray your tortoise. You don't really need an exotics vet to do that. I have taken my tortoises to my regular small animal vet clinic to have them X-rayed several times. All you need to do is see into the back half of the tortoise to determine whether there are any little round circles present or not. If there are, I would be tempted to give your tortoise a dose of good old oxytocin (or the newer drug which some say is better and whose name I cannot recall since I have not used it).
 

zolasmum

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Messages
2,001
Thank you Zovick!!!!
I trust you!!!
so I just bought it from chewy.com..

Also..
UPDATE:

Houston We Have Touch Down!” (?)
Yaaaaaayyyyyy!!!!
It was about 4” long and blackish color and hard (but not too hard) like a
REGULAR ? should look and feel like.

I DOUBLE bagged it and am going to send it for exam.. for now it’s in the refrigerator..

This is a good thing right?
I mean that means there is no blockage...
Still may have eggs...
But at least no trauma to the bum area..

I never thought I’d be so happy to see ??
For me when I see it it symbolizes that everything is running correctly. No?


Thanks again for that advice!
AND THE LINK!!!! ?
Made it so much easier to get..
Congratulations Chef and Sally - that's wonderful news !!! Maybe now Sally will be able to settle down again - or maybe there are more impressive poos to follow - now the exit is clear, as one might say . I am so happy and relieved
Angie xx
 

zovick

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Messages
3,387
No problem. Glad to hear the tortoise passed a BM.

Now good luck with the possible eggs! By the way, any vet should be able to X-ray your tortoise. You don't really need an exotics vet to do that. I have taken my tortoises to my regular small animal vet clinic to have them X-rayed several times. All you need to do is see into the back half of the tortoise to determine whether there are any little round circles present or not. If there are, I would be tempted to give your tortoise a dose of good old oxytocin (or the newer drug which some say is better and whose name I cannot recall since I have not used it).
@Chefdenoel10
I remembered the name of that other drug which stimulates egg laying. It is called lutalyse in case you should need to use either that or oxytocin on your tortoise. In my mind, both do the same thing.
 

Chefdenoel10

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HIP-HIP POO-RAY!! (instead of hooray…get it? lol). Way to go Sally! Now that she got a ? the size of my tortoise out, it’ll be interesting to see if she starts to return more to her normal self again. For now though, this is great news! ❤️

Hip-Hip Poo-Ray!
????????????????????????????

You bet your bum it is! (Great news that is.)
???
 

Chefdenoel10

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No problem. Glad to hear the tortoise passed a BM.

Now good luck with the possible eggs! By the way, any vet should be able to X-ray your tortoise. You don't really need an exotics vet to do that. I have taken my tortoises to my regular small animal vet clinic to have them X-rayed several times. All you need to do is see into the back half of the tortoise to determine whether there are any little round circles present or not. If there are, I would be tempted to give your tortoise a dose of good old oxytocin (or the newer drug which some say is better and whose name I cannot recall since I have not used it).

Thank you!
That’s what I said, any vet could give an x-ray it didn’t have to be a special one. But they told me I had to wait. So now I’m calling around to see if anyone else has something open closer to today’s date.
No luck . ( of course)
It seems like every time I have a problem or situation no one‘s available for three weeks. I mean seriously everybody’s taking their animal to the vet at the same time? REALLY????

And I know about the shot of Oxytocin.
(Yvonne G told me once before) ?
I have it in mind already to ask for ( if eggs are the case).
Thanks for everything!!!! ?
I am ALWAYS SOOOOOOO GREAT FULL for everyones advice!
It’s like you guys UNDERSTAND!!

It seems like everyone in my life just says
1)- get rid of “That thing”
2)- you can’t keep on picking “that thing” up.
3)- are you sure you can raise “that thing”?
4)- you can never go anywhere because of
“That thing”.
5)- I don’t care. What’s on the tv?
Leave “that thing” alone and come watch
tv.
6)- don’t you want to sell “that thing” and get the money to travel places?
??????????????

I mean, she is my world!
She has been with me before everybody!
My dad was the only one who understood.? ?
I never traveled BEFORE I got her! What makes them so sure I would travel now??

and finally, when everyone is out doing their thing or “traveling” or never around...

SHE is ALWAYS there for me! 365 days of the year. In good days and in bad, she is there with a smile. (Yes she looks like she is smiling. Just look at my avatar..?
Even when I walk away from her outside; it’s like she will follow me? Like I am taking her to some where better? Lol
(Maybe I SHOULD)..
 

Chefdenoel10

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Congratulations Chef and Sally - that's wonderful news !!! Maybe now Sally will be able to settle down again - or maybe there are more impressive poos to follow - now the exit is clear, as one might say . I am so happy and relieved
Angie xx

Thank you so much Angie!
Yes, I am wondering the same..
More poops or is it going to be eggs?
Only that X-ray will tell me..
But I still have to wait two weeks ?
 

Chefdenoel10

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@Chefdenoel10
I remembered the name of that other drug which stimulates egg laying. It is called lutalyse in case you should need to use either that or oxytocin on your tortoise. In my mind, both do the same thing.

Ooooooooo! Thank you!
I will write these down so that when I finally get to the doctors ?
They will think I am smart and know my stuff about turtles. (That’s what they call them, instead of tortoises.)
???
I can’t teach College graduates the difference between them!
It stupifies me and makes me wonder how in the heck they ever GOT their degree!
I feel like the vets I have to see are from some kind of movie!?
Like :
Willy Wonka
Or
Beetle juice!
Or
Jack A**. ? ?
 

Krista S

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Thank you!
That’s what I said, any vet could give an x-ray it didn’t have to be a special one. But they told me I had to wait. So now I’m calling around to see if anyone else has something open closer to today’s date.
No luck . ( of course)
It seems like every time I have a problem or situation no one‘s available for three weeks. I mean seriously everybody’s taking their animal to the vet at the same time? REALLY????

And I know about the shot of Oxytocin.
(Yvonne G told me once before) ?
I have it in mind already to ask for ( if eggs are the case).
Thanks for everything!!!! ?
I am ALWAYS SOOOOOOO GREAT FULL for everyones advice!
It’s like you guys UNDERSTAND!!

It seems like everyone in my life just says
1)- get rid of “That thing”
2)- you can’t keep on picking “that thing” up.
3)- are you sure you can raise “that thing”?
4)- you can never go anywhere because of
“That thing”.
5)- I don’t care. What’s on the tv?
Leave “that thing” alone and come watch
tv.
6)- don’t you want to sell “that thing” and get the money to travel places?
??????????????

I mean, she is my world!
She has been with me before everybody!
My dad was the only one who understood.? ?
I never traveled BEFORE I got her! What makes them so sure I would travel now??

and finally, when everyone is out doing their thing or “traveling” or never around...

SHE is ALWAYS there for me! 365 days of the year. In good days and in bad, she is there with a smile. (Yes she looks like she is smiling. Just look at my avatar..?
Even when I walk away from her outside; it’s like she will follow me? Like I am taking her to some where better? Lol
(Maybe I SHOULD)..
We DO understand. Almost all of my family, coworkers and friends don’t get it either. My own family won’t even refer to my tortoise by his name. My grandma who is in her 90’s is the only one who seems to care and genuinely enjoys hearing about Dozer’s antics. She has a hard time remembering that his name is Dozer…she calls him Bozo (like the clown) and I don’t correct her. I know how deep your love is for Sally and I care…we all do here. I have an incredibly strong bond with my tortoise who I’ve only had for almost 2 years, so I can only imagine how much greater your bond is with Sally, having raised her all these years. All of the people in our lives who don’t ”get it” are the ones who are missing out. Stay strong, my friend. ❤️
 

Chefdenoel10

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We DO understand. Almost all of my family, coworkers and friends don’t get it either. My own family won’t even refer to my tortoise by his name. My grandma who is in her 90’s is the only one who seems to care and genuinely enjoys hearing about Dozer’s antics. She has a hard time remembering that his name is Dozer…she calls him Bozo (like the clown) and I don’t correct her. I know how deep your love is for Sally and I care…we all do here. I have an incredibly strong bond with my tortoise who I’ve only had for almost 2 years, so I can only imagine how much greater your bond is with Sally, having raised her all these years. All of the people in our lives who don’t ”get it” are the ones who are missing out. Stay strong, my friend. ❤️

YOU ARE AWSOME MY FRIEND! ?
Thank you for “getting it”.
I have the same kind of family here.
No one knows her name.. well except for my dad.. but he is ....? now.
It’s neet that you talk to your grandma about Dozer. The older generation maybe
“Gets it”???
It is also a good way to bring you closer to your grandma!! Tell her everything.

And if your grandma says his name is
“Bozo” maybe think of changing it?
Grandmas may be old but they are very wise.?
Thank you for all your words of wisdom they are helping me tremendously!!!
You stay safe!! ?
I am off to change the water.... again!
???

Will talk tomorrow!! (I hope)
????
 

Cathie G

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Thank you!
That’s what I said, any vet could give an x-ray it didn’t have to be a special one. But they told me I had to wait. So now I’m calling around to see if anyone else has something open closer to today’s date.
No luck . ( of course)
It seems like every time I have a problem or situation no one‘s available for three weeks. I mean seriously everybody’s taking their animal to the vet at the same time? REALLY????

And I know about the shot of Oxytocin.
(Yvonne G told me once before) ?
I have it in mind already to ask for ( if eggs are the case).
Thanks for everything!!!! ?
I am ALWAYS SOOOOOOO GREAT FULL for everyones advice!
It’s like you guys UNDERSTAND!!

It seems like everyone in my life just says
1)- get rid of “That thing”
2)- you can’t keep on picking “that thing” up.
3)- are you sure you can raise “that thing”?
4)- you can never go anywhere because of
“That thing”.
5)- I don’t care. What’s on the tv?
Leave “that thing” alone and come watch
tv.
6)- don’t you want to sell “that thing” and get the money to travel places?
??????????????

I mean, she is my world!
She has been with me before everybody!
My dad was the only one who understood.? ?
I never traveled BEFORE I got her! What makes them so sure I would travel now??

and finally, when everyone is out doing their thing or “traveling” or never around...

SHE is ALWAYS there for me! 365 days of the year. In good days and in bad, she is there with a smile. (Yes she looks like she is smiling. Just look at my avatar..?
Even when I walk away from her outside; it’s like she will follow me? Like I am taking her to some where better? Lol
(Maybe I SHOULD)..
She is smiling at you. If others can't tell when an animal is smiling that's their problem... and loss ?
 
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