Help! Why is my tortoise walking like this?

MyTortoiseTree

New Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2021
Messages
10
Location (City and/or State)
California
I recently noticed something is wrong with my 8 year old tortoise’s back legs. When she walks she wobbles as her back legs take slow steps. She rocks side to side and her shell hits the ground. Her back legs seem weak and drags for a moment before she takes a step.

I can’t think of what happened, she was fine just before. I did notice a couple bees walking the yard and we have some stinging nettle that grows but I don’t think that’s it. I tried soaking her incase she has been constipated. she has been eating normal. I saw some improvement for a minute there but she is back to walking the same. I am going to look for a vet but wondering if anyone has any ideas and any ways I can help. I attached some photos to try and show her steps. Wish I could post the video. Ty!
 

Attachments

  • 7B9D79E1-CB0B-40D0-A12C-B3E83D52B5BA.jpeg
    7B9D79E1-CB0B-40D0-A12C-B3E83D52B5BA.jpeg
    2.1 MB · Views: 94
  • B743E847-01C6-436A-9D8B-E03666779639.jpeg
    B743E847-01C6-436A-9D8B-E03666779639.jpeg
    2.6 MB · Views: 94
  • 31D18857-D174-4B91-AB90-D19005CB6FE5.jpeg
    31D18857-D174-4B91-AB90-D19005CB6FE5.jpeg
    2.8 MB · Views: 89
  • D0598102-9BF6-42F6-95CD-943296F4C556.jpeg
    D0598102-9BF6-42F6-95CD-943296F4C556.jpeg
    2.9 MB · Views: 88

Chubbs the tegu

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 9, 2019
Messages
9,571
Location (City and/or State)
Ma
I recently noticed something is wrong with my 8 year old tortoise’s back legs. When she walks she wobbles as her back legs take slow steps. She rocks side to side and her shell hits the ground. Her back legs seem weak and drags for a moment before she takes a step.

I can’t think of what happened, she was fine just before. I did notice a couple bees walking the yard and we have some stinging nettle that grows but I don’t think that’s it. I tried soaking her incase she has been constipated. she has been eating normal. I saw some improvement for a minute there but she is back to walking the same. I am going to look for a vet but wondering if anyone has any ideas and any ways I can help. I attached some photos to try and show her steps. Wish I could post the video. Ty!
How is she housed? Indoors, outdoors?
 

Chubbs the tegu

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 9, 2019
Messages
9,571
Location (City and/or State)
Ma
Is his enclosure pretty flat if so it could just be some leg splaying from lack of terrain
I dont think flat enclosure would cause splaying unless it was a total slippery surface
I am going to continue to soak her each day to see if I can get her to use the bathroom. I haven’t seen much poop around the yard lately.
does she have water avail at all times?
 

MyTortoiseTree

New Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2021
Messages
10
Location (City and/or State)
California
I dont think flat enclosure would cause splaying unless it was a total slippery surface

does she have water avail at all times?
She roams the whole yard so there is dirt , grass, flat concrete and small rock pebbles. She does have water but rarely drinks it and gets water by food and me dropping water on her and soaking at times.
 

MyTortoiseTree

New Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2021
Messages
10
Location (City and/or State)
California
Lol so true! I will continue to soak her. Tried to slip her a prune today? But she wouldn’t take it.
 

MyTortoiseTree

New Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2021
Messages
10
Location (City and/or State)
California
What is your torts diet normally?
Mostly grass she grazes in the yard. I also give her Romaine lettuce, green leaf lettuce, and a mixture of tomatoes, cabbage, watermelon and strawberries. I also got her the reptile dried veggies and insects I give once a week or so.
 

New Posts

Top