Hi, new Horsefield tort owner

AlbusB

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Update!!!

My little man has pooped! I was so
Excited lol so he must be getting some nutrients and is warm enough!

He also fought like a beast against his injection today, he's defiantly very strong!!
 

AlbusB

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Hi guys. Not sure how my little man is doing at the moment. He has finished his antibiotics but he is still very bubbly, but it is now clear, but tonight I can hear him squeaking. I've not heard him do this before, is it just another symptom of his infection? He's going back to the vets Monday but just wondered if you guys had any ideas.
 

lynnedit

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He doesn't sound completely well yet, but glad he is a bit better. I would say the squeaking is a bit worrisome.
I would still keep his enclosure on the warmer, more humid side. It's possible that it is going to take some more TLC and time for him to fully recover, but it is wise to have him checked to be sure.

Hopefully he is eating a bit, and his plumbing is normal?
 

AlbusB

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He doesn't sound completely well yet, but glad he is a bit better. I would say the squeaking is a bit worrisome.
I would still keep his enclosure on the warmer, more humid side. It's possible that it is going to take some more TLC and time for him to fully recover, but it is wise to have him checked to be sure.

Hopefully he is eating a bit, and his plumbing is normal?


He was getting better but last few days he's really gone down hill. I got him to eat a bit today twice but the second time he spat it out. He seems to struggle to swallow but this maybe normal. but I've not seen him wee or poop since that first time.

I'm still giving him a carrot soak once a day and a further soak in the evening. I have taken him out of his table into a hospital tank and removed substrate he was on today as he was rubbing himself so much that he's making his face very sore. I have some coco coir coming today.

I'm very scared to check in him in the mornings at the moment but trying to stay positive that he wouldn't eat if he was very poorly.
 

lynnedit

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I admit it is worrisome that he has worsened in the last couple of days.
You're doing the best you can with him. I can't think of anything else you could add.
Your sure you have a good, experienced reptile vet?

It is very stressful for you. Have you discussed his health status with the person or store you purchased him from?
 

AlbusB

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I admit it is worrisome that he has worsened in the last couple of days.
You're doing the best you can with him. I can't think of anything else you could add.
Your sure you have a good, experienced reptile vet?

It is very stressful for you. Have you discussed his health status with the person or store you purchased him from?

Yeah the vets really good, she's treated my brother in laws geckos before and she runs specific reptile clinics.

It really is stressful, especially coz i can tell that he has a lot of personality when he's feeling better.

I have spoken to them. They have agreed to pay the first vet fees bit haven't come back up me to check he's ok etc. they were a specialist reptile shop and she apparently keeps her own tortoise but they were so unsympathetic and a little rude that I feel I've been lied to.

I've just check in on him as his lights just come on. Still only opening one eye but his nostrils are clear. Any moisture is round his mouth.

Thank you for all your help/ reassurance so far. Been a bit much for my first tortoise to have only had him ill!
 

lynnedit

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It really can be overwhelming. You are doing your best to keep him comfortable. Hopefully your efforts will pay off eventually.
I'm very glad you have a good reptile vet, that makes a big difference.
Hope your tortoise hangs in there and let us know what the vet says.
 

AlbusB

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I've been to the vet again. They are gonna throw everything they have at him and if there is some improvement then she will keep working with him but only for a while, it's cruel to keep him going now so it seems likely that my little guy won't be coming home.

I'm distraught. Only had him two weeks but love him already. Just so sad seeing him laying there not being able to breathe
 

lynnedit

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You absolutely did everything that you could for this little guy.
He was ill when you got him, which does not reflect well on the person you purchased him from.

I am so very sorry to hear this. :(
 

AlbusB

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Albus is apparently doing a bit better so she is happy to try for the 24 hours. Not got my hopes up yet but deffo could be worse x
 

klack95

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Prayers for Albus. Next 24 hours will be gut wrenching, but I see a happy outcome. I have to be optimistic because I am also nursing a little sick guy.
 

AlbusB

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Prayers for Albus. Next 24 hours will be gut wrenching, but I see a happy outcome. I have to be optimistic because I am also nursing a little sick guy.

Oh no poor you. Fingers crossed for your little guy too. I'll be glad when I know either way really... What ever happens
 

Momof4

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Sending good vibes your way! So sorry you have to go through this with your first tort!
 

AlbusB

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Sending good vibes your way! So sorry you have to go through this with your first tort!

Thank you, keep sending them it seems to be working. Little man is slowly improving and they are inns reassess him on Thursday. So fingers crossed but things are slightly more optimistic:)
 

AlbusB

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Any updates?

I have spoken to the vet today... Lots of fluid has come up again today. They have drained his lungs again and feed him with a tube. His definitely not home this weekend but if he isn't improving I think we may have to help him pass because otherwise it's not going to be a good quality of life.

It's a bit of a roller coaster!
 

lynnedit

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Oh dear.
Your plan sounds very realistic, and probably best for him. He is awfully ill for a young tortoise.
 

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