Baby food soak help appreciated

One of my hatchlings was attacked by a predator while I was on vacation over the weekend, probably a rat, damage to carapace and one foot. Emergency vet visit until the early hours of this morning, but he's home after that hydrated, pain medded and antibiotic pasted.

He's not eating actively yet and I want to be sure that he gets nutrition, is a baby food soak in order? If so what temp type and depth? Soak in water after? Any concerns for potential open wounds?

Thanks

You'll be better of in the health section.

xirxes said:

One of my hatchlings was attacked by a predator while I was on vacation over the weekend, probably a rat, damage to carapace and one foot. Emergency vet visit until the early hours of this morning, but he's home after that hydrated, pain medded and antibiotic pasted.

He's not eating actively yet and I want to be sure that he gets nutrition, is a baby food soak in order? If so what temp type and depth? Soak in water after? Any concerns for potential open wounds?

Thanks

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So sorry your tortoise got hurt. Very glad you got him the help he needed. @Anyfoot is right. The health section is probably your best choice for seeking the proper information. Good luck with him and I hope he heals quickly.

If he has an open wound baby food may not be the best idea. I'd stick with regular soaks and give him some time to develop his appetite. Being attacked is pretty traumatic and antibiotics curb appetite. I'm guessing he is now indoors?

daniellenc said:

If he has an open wound baby food may not be the best idea. I'd stick with regular soaks and give him some time to develop his appetite. Being attacked is pretty traumatic and antibiotics curb appetite. I'm guessing he is now indoors?

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Yes. He is in his own setup inside for easy monitoring. I have switched him to mango baby food with calcium and multivitamins mixed in with 2x daily water soaks.

No feeding behavior in the last 24 hours. I think I will give a dropper of multivitamins if he doesn't eat the baby food today.

Anyfoot said:

You'll be better of in the health section.

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Didn't know there was one! I'll move there thanks.

One of my hatchlings was attacked by a predator while I was on vacation over the weekend, probably a rat, damage to carapace and one foot. Emergency vet visit until the early hours of this morning, but he's home after that hydrated, pain medded and antibiotic pasted.

He's not eating actively yet and I want to be sure that he gets nutrition, is a baby food soak in order? If so what temp type and depth? Soak in water after? Any concerns for potential open wounds?

Copied here from redfoot sub forum. Thanks

I would not soak in the baby food due the wounds and possible infection. Lurk warm water soak to get the dirt off and keep him hydrated yes but I don't think that one or two days of him not eating will make a big difference. I think he's just terrified and needs time.
I would offer him his favourite foods and wait for him to nibble on it.

It's not time yet for baby food soaks. They can go a long time without eating, and the baby food soaks are for tortoises that aren't eating for a long time. He's going to be pretty scared for a while - give him two weeks. Keep him warm and quiet.

Thank you. This situation being the first time away from home on a much needed family getaway, coming back to this and seeing how wretched he looked was really a heartbreaker. I think he is as comfortable as I can get him until the pain abates, then I'll focus on nutrition.

Thanks everyone.

Bob's first bites after attack. You can see the area with white paste where he got chewed on.

Getting soak in the sun for uvb then mango snack.

Big progress.

And how is his foot?

His rear leg is clearly hurting, as towards the end of a days short walking he tries not to use it.

His front foot, although missing 3 nails now, healed very quickly and he uses it without issue seemingly.