baby sulcata dog attack

[XionandKingpin]

my sister left my tortoise outside with her dog and she attacked my sulcate tortoise named Toothpaste.
He was apparently upside down for a long time, and when I found him he was COVERED with mud and the top of his shell is dented/cracked a bit and I think some red flesh is coming out...every now and then I see a bit of blood oozing out and going back in. Toothpaste seems okay, he's just sleeping a lot. I'll see if I can put up a photo later. This is my first time dealing with a tortoise injury, any suggestions because right now I just have him covered in a clean rag...;-;

 

[TechnoCheese]

He is very likely not okay depending on the severity of the wound. For now, make sure you’ve cleaned the wound, and have the tortoise on paper towels.

 

[Ben02]

The top of the shell is probably the worst place to get damaged, tortoises lungs are located directly under the carapace and are covered with a membrane, the fact that the tortoise is bleeding means that their is a chance the teeth penetrated through. Personally I would go to a vet ASAP

 

[dmmj]

Based on your description, I would go to a vet ASAP.

 

[wellington]

Keep him warm and clean and yes, a vet visit is needed.
Then let your sister know that no matter what size your tortoise is, big or small and no matter the size or age or calmness of the dog, the two should never ever be left alone without 1000% uninterrupted supervision.
Good luck hope your tort makes it.

 

[TammyJ]

If you have a tortoise and a dog, especially a small tortoise, and you leave them together all the time and the tortoise is always "perfectly OK", it's because the dog is waiting until he just feels like it.

 

[TammyJ]

I wish your tortoise all the best but he needs to visit a good herp vet.

 

[Yvonne G]

Your description of what's happening on the top of the shell sounds like the lungs are involved. This is quite serious and he needs to be taken to a tortoise vet ASAP.

 

[XionandKingpin]

The top of the shell is probably the worst place to get damaged, tortoises lungs are located directly under the carapace and are covered with a membrane, the fact that the tortoise is bleeding means that their is a chance the teeth penetrated through. Personally I would go to a vet ASAP

thanks a lot for the help! gonna take your advice cuz he doesn't seem too awake rn

 

[Ben02]

thanks a lot for the help! gonna take your advice cuz he doesn't seem too awake rn

Ok how soon can you get to a vet?

That looks like a deep wound, I would definitely seek emergency vet care if this was my tortoise. Keep it clean, that wound is at high risk of infection, I can imagine your dogs saliva is in that wound and possibly something horrible dogs like to eat. Please keep us posted.

Does the tortoise react when you gently touch its eyes and gently pull its limbs?

 

[TammyJ]

Watching and hoping here.....!

 

[TammyJ]

I am so sorry this happened.

 

[Elisa]

Did you get the tort to a vet? How's he doing?

 

[Obbie]

my sister left my tortoise outside with her dog and she attacked my sulcate tortoise named Toothpaste.
He was apparently upside down for a long time, and when I found him he was COVERED with mud and the top of his shell is dented/cracked a bit and I think some red flesh is coming out...every now and then I see a bit of blood oozing out and going back in. Toothpaste seems okay, he's just sleeping a lot. I'll see if I can put up a photo later. This is my first time dealing with a tortoise injury, any suggestions because right now I just have him covered in a clean rag...;-;

I think a Vet is in order. If his shell is compromised he could get bad infection, he may die, I think he would be in pain. I’m sorry. My info is from Dr Kaye Exotic Pet Vet. She’s seen quite a few for this

 

[Donna Albu]

He is very likely not okay depending on the severity of the wound. For now, make sure you’ve cleaned the wound, and have the tortoise on paper towels.

I see that you are in Arizona, but not the city. If you are anywhere close, please take toothpaste to Dove Valley Animal Hospital in Cave Creek, AZ. Ask for Dr. K. Their address is 4815 E Carefree Highway. It's in the building behind the fast food place. Telephone 480-595-5731; that is also the emergency number. They are open 7 days a week. Dr K saved my Joey, and he was in really bad shape when we brought him in. He is a fabulous reptile (and other pets also) vet. Do not delay!

 

[vladimir]

I see that you are in Arizona, but not the city. If you are anywhere close, please take toothpaste to Dove Valley Animal Hospital in Cave Creek, AZ. Ask for Dr. K. Their address is 4815 E Carefree Highway. It's in the building behind the fast food place. Telephone 480-595-5731; that is also the emergency number. They are open 7 days a week. Dr K saved my Joey, and he was in really bad shape when we brought him in. He is a fabulous reptile (and other pets also) vet. Do not delay!

Thanks for the detailed contact info. Hopefully it will help

 

[Tortoise Rescue Brenda]

Vet vet vet!!!!!

 

[Yoda the tortoise]

How is your tortoise doing, is he still alive? Sorry that happened I've had a similar situation happens where my dog got my baby sulcata

 

[XionandKingpin]

How is your tortoise doing, is he still alive? Sorry that happened I've had a similar situation happens where my dog got my baby sulcata

no, he died on Thursday. I buried him 2 days ago in my front yard because I don't want my sisters dog to dig him up. I actually considered him as a child of mine, so this was really upsetting.

 

[Yoda the tortoise]

That s heartbreaking!! I'm so sorry.