Just seen this note. He's always had that since we got him I didn't realise it was bone. Anything I can do to help with it?Let's get this question out of the way - what type of uvb bulb are you using? Have you changed it recently?
The bone looks exposed on the front of his shell, is that new or did he always have that, and how close is the heat lamp to the substrate in the enclosure
Tello has had 3 baths today. He seemed, I think, a little more lively but no more poos. He's eaten a fair bit too but still hand feeding only. Photo of enclosure attached. I got a new ceramic heat emitter - they only had 150W so it's a little too hot directly underneath (just checked with my new laser thermometer and its saying 38C) so I've moved him to just next to it where it's about 35 and will try and lift the lamp up to reduce temp. No more bubbles and nose looks clear. Still debating taking him back for xray.
Old injury. Unlikely to be a problem in that case. Don't worryJust seen this note. He's always had that since we got him I didn't realise it was bone. Anything I can do to help with it?
A Ceramic Heat Emitter should be used with a thermostat so it only cuts in as needed and doesn't burn. Make sure you get one that can handle at least 150W.
It's very hard to raise humidity or ambient temperature in an open table like that. The CHE will just heat the room.
Some sort of cover is needed to achieve that - some people use a mini greenhouse type thing like this over the enclosure (take care with the lights) - I have no idea if you could find one that would fit.
I had an electric radiator from Argos in the room next to Joe to keep the room temperature up when my central heating was off for the night.
You have a Mercury Vapour Bulb for basking/UVB I believe. How frequently do you change the bulb? The UVB output of these bulbs drops dramatically after 6-9 months, long before the bulb blows, so they need to be replaced frequently.
How long he is not pooping and eating? Rule is no food no poop If his eating, peeing and is active I would give a week or so from this point Does he farts in the bath a lot or strains? What about his pee? How does it look like? White, gooie and lot of water or a bit of fluid and a lot of brittle white stuff or bit yellowish even? After a week of daily baths he should be peeing daily a lot. Otherwise could indicate kidney/liver problem which can cause anorexia and lethargy and for which soaks could help.Thank you! Ok so, tomorrow: buy thermostat (can you point me in direction of a good one on amazon? ) , change UVA/UVB bulb. With regards to the general room temp - rather luckily (for Tello) our flat has pretty poor ventilation so holds heat incredibly well and i have to use dehumidifier in other rooms. plus I've had heating on constantly while hes been ill. Whilst this probably isn't up to tortoise levels, it must be of some help and I damp his substrate down daily which I hope helps too. What are your thoughts on xray at this point?
It's good that he is doing much better. Give him at least one week of normal eating until you start worrying about not pooping. If his not straining and eating OK it will come If you never had it examined for parasites take it to the Vet and ask him to do the test. Best wishes for you both.Hi all (my sick tortoise support group)
Bathed the wee man this morning, after 10 mins he was a little more lively, actively trying to get out which is more like his usual self. He also pee'd!.. all over my hand as I was taking him out. Pee was clearish with urates which were grittier than they should be and not as chalky as usual. However, I was just pleased he's gone. Still no poo. Damped down his substrate (mixed it all in, its nice and damp) and dried him off and popped him back, he had some lettuce and small bit of cucumber, he actually made an attempt to eat the lettuce himself without hand feeding and now he is sleeping again under his lamp.
I've bought a thermostat for CHE and he's due his 3rd abx injection tomorrow. Called my vets and they said to complete abx before bringing him back in. I would just feel better if he poo'd. I've also noticed he is rubbing his eyes after he is coaxed to open them, they look clear to me and not puffy but just wondered about that.
That's his update for this morning.
Oh also, no farting! I wondered if his lack of poo was because he was off his food a few days before vets visit so its just working way through since he started eating again, that's my hope.
It's good that he is doing much better. Give him at least one week of normal eating until you start worrying about not pooping. If his not straining and eating OK it will come If you never had it examined for parasites take it to the Vet and ask him to do the test. Best wishes for you both.
I think I'd do that too. He may need to be an inpatient this time.I plan to take him back for a check up after his fifth if there's no improvement (next Saturday).
If you feel he is not doing better go to the Vets - better safe then sorry. Still consider that those could be side effects of antibiotic injections and he can get a bit worse to eventually get better. Don't panic Torts recover SLOW. You are taking good care of him.We are very sleepy. Had a long bath and eventually opened eyes a bit, it looked like it took a lot of effort but they weren't cloudy.
Not eaten today apart from small piece of lettuce that got popped into his mouth which he nommed.
Just been sleeping like this under CHE (got a thermostat and set to 35 degrees)
Called vets - they said doesn't need an emergency visit out as sounds like infection is just coming out but going tomorrow at 3pm for check up and maybe to stay in.
Thanks Kasia. I hope I am. Tello is our first tortoise that my husband randomly bought home some years ago when he was in the army. Rabbits and horses I know heaps about but tortoises I am still very much learning and it's the first time he's ever been anything but a little greedy hooligan.If you feel he is not doing better go to the Vets - better safe then sorry. Still consider that those could be side effect of antibiotic injections and he can get a bit worse to eventually get better. Don't panic You are taking good care of him.