Hello everyone. I am sorry I have not been around much. I thought I would bring you the latest update on Joe and his testosterone implant (Suprelorin).
The story last year is here
Winter 2013-14 went very smoothly. It was unusually mild and I did become a little panicky that it was too warm for a box-hibernated tortoise, but Joe sailed through without losing an ounce.
Day one out of hibernation brought us an instant ankle attack. Having had him for over 40 years, we are used to ankle attacks, but he normally waits until he has rehydrated and started eating normally - two to three weeks. Joe's hormones were on the rampage again!
It steadily got worse over the next three weeks with pacing and, more concerning, weight loss as he started to ignore food and water again. It was nowhere near as bad as it was back in 2012, but it was clearly getting worse and wasn't going to improve. I think we now know how long Suprelorin lasts in a 3kg (6.5lb) TGG - 2 years!
So Joe went to see his "friend" the vet again. With a grin on his face, the vet said "Joe's a swine. Right, let's get him done!" So Joe had a blood test done and another implant.
A few weeks later and we are back to normal Joe. You still have to watch your ankles, and the lawnmower is still a deadly foe, but his weight has gone back up and he is eating and drinking properly.
For those interested in the numbers:
Spring 2012 before implant - Testosterone 59.5
June 2012 after implant - Testosterone 0.3 (normal is around 5 apparently)
Spring 2014 before new implant - Testosterone 16.35
I have just realised that I am guilty of not supplying an up-to-date photo. This will be rectified in the couple of days
PS Can a mod change the title to read 2014 please?
The story last year is here
Winter 2013-14 went very smoothly. It was unusually mild and I did become a little panicky that it was too warm for a box-hibernated tortoise, but Joe sailed through without losing an ounce.
Day one out of hibernation brought us an instant ankle attack. Having had him for over 40 years, we are used to ankle attacks, but he normally waits until he has rehydrated and started eating normally - two to three weeks. Joe's hormones were on the rampage again!
It steadily got worse over the next three weeks with pacing and, more concerning, weight loss as he started to ignore food and water again. It was nowhere near as bad as it was back in 2012, but it was clearly getting worse and wasn't going to improve. I think we now know how long Suprelorin lasts in a 3kg (6.5lb) TGG - 2 years!
So Joe went to see his "friend" the vet again. With a grin on his face, the vet said "Joe's a swine. Right, let's get him done!" So Joe had a blood test done and another implant.
A few weeks later and we are back to normal Joe. You still have to watch your ankles, and the lawnmower is still a deadly foe, but his weight has gone back up and he is eating and drinking properly.
For those interested in the numbers:
Spring 2012 before implant - Testosterone 59.5
June 2012 after implant - Testosterone 0.3 (normal is around 5 apparently)
Spring 2014 before new implant - Testosterone 16.35
I have just realised that I am guilty of not supplying an up-to-date photo. This will be rectified in the couple of days
PS Can a mod change the title to read 2014 please?
