Help with new guy (soft shell)

[mdkelty]

I've been looking for another Leapord for a while now. Yesterday, I went to a reptile show here in MI and found a gorgeous blond. In a way, he is an expensive rescue and here is why.

As many of you can relate, I couldn't just leave him there with the vendor. I asked him what he's been eating and it didn't sound good at all for a leapord tortoise. My other little guy (Dozer) the darker one is strong as an ox for his size! He gets a variety of dark greens, clover, dandelion, mazuri, calcium with D3, soaked three times a week and proper lighting.

The blond has a soft shell (underside). The good news is that he is drinking and eating. I soaked him yesterday when I brought him home and again today. The three of us went outside for most of the morning, I gardened and they grazed. He has been sleeping alot when he's not eating. I really want him to pull through this and become as healthy as his brother/sister. If anyone has any advice, I would greatly appreciate it!!!

Thank you
Michael

ps. Although the blond is larger, Dozer is obviously heavier right now.

 

[Yvonne G]

Well, its a slow process. You just have to keep adding the calcium supplement on his food, feed a good quality greens that are high in calcium content, and be sure he gets plenty of sunshine. Collards, dandelion, kale, mulberry leaves, cactus pads, etc.

 

[Tom]

Sounds like you are doing it right.

I'd skip the D3, if they are getting regular sun.

I'd soak every day and spray their shells 3-4 times a day.

Sun, hydration, and a good diet are your best bets.

 

[mdkelty]

Thank you to both of you, much appreciated! I will soak him every day until he improves. He hasn't defecated and I know that he was getting a less than adequate diet on an irregular basis. Like I said before, as long as he is sleeping, drinking and eating, I think he will make a comeback. When I took them out this morning he was active and even came up to me to say hello as if he knew I was there to help him. As soon as we came inside he went to sleep and probably won't wake up till tomorrow. Funny, I've had him for a day and he's already got me wrapped around his foot. lol.

 

[oswego tort lover]

Thank you to both of you, much appreciated! I will soak him every day until he improves. He hasn't defecated and I know that he was getting a less than adequate diet on an irregular basis. Like I said before, as long as he is sleeping, drinking and eating, I think he will make a comeback. When I took them out this morning he was active and even came up to me to say hello as if he knew I was there to help him. As soon as we came inside he went to sleep and probably won't wake up till tomorrow. Funny, I've had him for a day and he's already got me wrapped around his foot. lol.

ive kept leos for 23 yrs ,i suspect a protozoan infestation take a fecal sample to your vet asap , its the soft shell that points to this...ed

 

[Tom]

Since '87? You are truly one of the pioneers. I was 4 years behind you. Saw/got my first CB in '91.

The protozoan thing is good info. I didn't know this.

mdkelty, if you do a fecal, please inform us all of the results. This info could be very helpful for a lot of tortoises out there.

 

[Laura]

Dont forget or overlook Quarantine period!!!!

 

[mdkelty]

ive kept leos for 23 yrs ,i suspect a protozoan infestation take a fecal sample to your vet asap , its the soft shell that points to this...ed
[/quote]

Thank you Oswego and Tom, As soon as he defecates I will take him to the vet and have it checked out and then post results. Two of the foods mentioned by the vendor I bought him from were romaine and strawberries, which tells me he hasn't received proper nutrition for a while. But like I said, he was very active outside yesterday and he is eating and drinking, which is a good sign. I told him (tortoise) to keep fighting, I swear on some level they understand, very wise animals.