Please help!! My sulcata tortoise has been straining to poop...when I feel up his rectum He has a large blockage of very hard gritty material. I have put mineral oil in his rectum but hoping someone may know what I can do to break this up in smaller pieces so he can pass it. Please help!!! I've been out of work and just had sugery yesterday so large veterinary bills are just not possible right now. I have been a veterinary assistant for about 20 years and all the Dr's I've worked for really aren't knowlegeable with tortoises anyway but I'm not afraid to get in there and do what needs to be done. Any suggestions would be appreciated
blocked sulcata
- Thread starter kathyb
- Start date
TMartin510
Active Member
What substrate do you use?
Squirt some mineral oil all around the stone then pick at it and try to break it up. If you have a dental pic, that works well, or if no, anything small enough to fit in the cloaca. If you can't get it out, you'll have to take him to the vet. You can also try to gently press on each side of the stone on the outside of his tail (like you're popping a pimple) and try to help it pass.
I would try all that Yvonne has said. I would also do some warm water soaks. That will help hydrate. Especially around the mass. Has worked for us in the past on several different animals including our tort when he was younger. It really helps.
Good luck! Keep us posted!
Good luck! Keep us posted!
Thank you so much for the advice. I will keep at it. I love the "little" guy so much and it breaks my heart to see and hear him strain
I am using grass hay
I see it is a prescribed product or can you get over the counter?
No, it just makes it slippery so it can squeeze by the cloaca.
I see that it's sold on Amazon.
I mentioned what I would do in one of my previous posts. If that didn't work, then he needs to see a vet ASAP.
I'd just suck it up and go see a vet now. Heck, if anything just as a getting to know you visit before a possible needed visit.
He needs to go to the vet. There some things you just can't treat at home.
Thanks. Sure wish I could...I lost my job about 6 months ago for medical reasons and just had surgery day before yesterday. Since I have worked for vets for many years I know they don't Bill their patients and none of the vets I've worked for know how to deal with tortoises anyway.
@kathyb I'm really sorry about all of that. I, too am in about the same space as yourself. We could talk for hours I'm sure of it.
just breaks my heart he's suffering because of me
Do you soak this tortoise in warm water?
