Is she dead?

Zomboyted

New Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2021
Messages
6
Location (City and/or State)
Uk
Hello,

Hope you're all keeping well and apologies for a similar harrowing post that you may have read a dozen times from two dozen people

My tortoise, Gamera, gradually became lethargic and stopped eating over 7-9 days following a visit by my niece who adores her. The niece did have a terrible cough and cold at the time but Gamera has displayed absolutely no signs of a respiratory infection.

She's approximately 11 years old and has always been very active from dawn to late night.

This is day 2 with regular warm water baths. She's stiff, no floppy appendages or floppy head, resistant to gentle leg pulling (as in won't move), doesn't appear to breathing though although am hopeful that it may be imperceptible but fully aware that if hopes and wishes were dishes, I would be supplying restaurants around the world. There is no smell to suggest decay/decomp at all.

There's no reddening of the shell or plastron, there's some pinkish lines on the plastron but had always assumed that was to do with new growth. There's no bloating or anything that would suggest cause of death or symptoms. She weighed around 410gm four days ago but had stopped eating

I was registering her with a specialist vet before she stopped moving/died but they're reluctant to bring us in currently.

In the meantime, I thought I'd roll the dice on a forum post as I'm still hopeful but pretty much prepared for the likely outcome

Would be grateful for any potential advice or even stern lecturing if I've mis-id'd her species
 

Attachments

  • PXL_20210707_173843208.jpg
    PXL_20210707_173843208.jpg
    2 MB · Views: 176
  • PXL_20210707_173835280.jpg
    PXL_20210707_173835280.jpg
    1.9 MB · Views: 171
  • PXL_20210707_173828214.jpg
    PXL_20210707_173828214.jpg
    1.8 MB · Views: 164

harrythetortoise

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2020
Messages
456
Location (City and/or State)
Virginia
Hello,

Hope you're all keeping well and apologies for a similar harrowing post that you may have read a dozen times from two dozen people

My tortoise, Gamera, gradually became lethargic and stopped eating over 7-9 days following a visit by my niece who adores her. The niece did have a terrible cough and cold at the time but Gamera has displayed absolutely no signs of a respiratory infection.

She's approximately 11 years old and has always been very active from dawn to late night.

This is day 2 with regular warm water baths. She's stiff, no floppy appendages or floppy head, resistant to gentle leg pulling (as in won't move), doesn't appear to breathing though although am hopeful that it may be imperceptible but fully aware that if hopes and wishes were dishes, I would be supplying restaurants around the world. There is no smell to suggest decay/decomp at all.

There's no reddening of the shell or plastron, there's some pinkish lines on the plastron but had always assumed that was to do with new growth. There's no bloating or anything that would suggest cause of death or symptoms. She weighed around 410gm four days ago but had stopped eating

I was registering her with a specialist vet before she stopped moving/died but they're reluctant to bring us in currently.

In the meantime, I thought I'd roll the dice on a forum post as I'm still hopeful but pretty much prepared for the likely outcome

Would be grateful for any potential advice or even stern lecturing if I've mis-id'd her species
I'm sorry about your tortoise... Her eyes look pretty sunken...
How long have you had her?
 

Yvonne G

Old Timer
TFO Admin
10 Year Member!
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 23, 2008
Messages
93,449
Location (City and/or State)
Clovis, CA
I'm afraid she does look dead with those sunken in eyes. So sorry this happened! The tortoise didn't catch a respiratory infection from your niece.
 

Zomboyted

New Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2021
Messages
6
Location (City and/or State)
Uk
I'm sorry about your tortoise... Her eyes look pretty sunken...
How long have you had her?
Hi Harry,

Thanks for replying, I've had her for a little over 10.5 half years. She was just under two inches long when she first stamped her way into my frosty heart, so she might be a little older than 11. I'm still a little hopeful as when she had her first hibernation she was in a similar state to this but we managed to wake her up and keep her up.
 

harrythetortoise

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2020
Messages
456
Location (City and/or State)
Virginia
Hi Harry,

Thanks for replying, I've had her for a little over 10.5 half years. She was just under two inches long when she first stamped her way into my frosty heart, so she might be a little older than 11. I'm still a little hopeful as when she had her first hibernation she was in a similar state to this but we managed to wake her up and keep her up.
I really hope she will wake up as well! Keep her hydrated in warm water, and keep us posted.
I've only had my tortoise for 7 months, and I can't imagine how devastating it must be to lose a friend of 10 years... I do hope miracles will happen your way. Will keep you guys in my prayers.
 

Zomboyted

New Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2021
Messages
6
Location (City and/or State)
Uk
I'm afraid she does look dead with those sunken in eyes. So sorry this happened! The tortoise didn't catch a respiratory infection from your niece.
Thanks for replying Yvonne, I think I was looking for reassurance that I'm burying a part of the family alive.

Thank you again, I really appreciate it
 

zovick

Well-Known Member
10 Year Member!
Joined
Nov 17, 2013
Messages
3,368
Hello,

Hope you're all keeping well and apologies for a similar harrowing post that you may have read a dozen times from two dozen people

My tortoise, Gamera, gradually became lethargic and stopped eating over 7-9 days following a visit by my niece who adores her. The niece did have a terrible cough and cold at the time but Gamera has displayed absolutely no signs of a respiratory infection.

She's approximately 11 years old and has always been very active from dawn to late night.

This is day 2 with regular warm water baths. She's stiff, no floppy appendages or floppy head, resistant to gentle leg pulling (as in won't move), doesn't appear to breathing though although am hopeful that it may be imperceptible but fully aware that if hopes and wishes were dishes, I would be supplying restaurants around the world. There is no smell to suggest decay/decomp at all.

There's no reddening of the shell or plastron, there's some pinkish lines on the plastron but had always assumed that was to do with new growth. There's no bloating or anything that would suggest cause of death or symptoms. She weighed around 410gm four days ago but had stopped eating

I was registering her with a specialist vet before she stopped moving/died but they're reluctant to bring us in currently.

In the meantime, I thought I'd roll the dice on a forum post as I'm still hopeful but pretty much prepared for the likely outcome

Would be grateful for any potential advice or even stern lecturing if I've mis-id'd her species
Sadly, the tortoise certainly appears to be deceased as others have said. Here is a quick test: put the nostrils under the surface of the water for a few seconds or even more. If you see no bubbles coming from them and the tortoise doesn't attempt to move, your tortoise is dead.
 

Zomboyted

New Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2021
Messages
6
Location (City and/or State)
Uk
I really hope she will wake up as well! Keep her hydrated in warm water, and keep us posted.
I've only had my tortoise for 7 months, and I can't imagine how devastating it must be to lose a friend of 10 years... I do hope miracles will happen your way. Will keep you guys in my prayers.
Hello again Harry,

Many thanks for your kind words and kindness.

I can only state my opinion that Hermann torts are the best, they're so full of personality and vivacity that you'll often be annoyed by the bumping & bashing but love every second of it, the final absence of that familiar sound is deafening.

I wish you and your chum many happy years together ?
 

Toddrickfl1

Well-Known Member
Tortoise Club
5 Year Member
Platinum Tortoise Club
Joined
Jan 7, 2018
Messages
7,133
Location (City and/or State)
Ga
Hello,

Hope you're all keeping well and apologies for a similar harrowing post that you may have read a dozen times from two dozen people

My tortoise, Gamera, gradually became lethargic and stopped eating over 7-9 days following a visit by my niece who adores her. The niece did have a terrible cough and cold at the time but Gamera has displayed absolutely no signs of a respiratory infection.

She's approximately 11 years old and has always been very active from dawn to late night.

This is day 2 with regular warm water baths. She's stiff, no floppy appendages or floppy head, resistant to gentle leg pulling (as in won't move), doesn't appear to breathing though although am hopeful that it may be imperceptible but fully aware that if hopes and wishes were dishes, I would be supplying restaurants around the world. There is no smell to suggest decay/decomp at all.

There's no reddening of the shell or plastron, there's some pinkish lines on the plastron but had always assumed that was to do with new growth. There's no bloating or anything that would suggest cause of death or symptoms. She weighed around 410gm four days ago but had stopped eating

I was registering her with a specialist vet before she stopped moving/died but they're reluctant to bring us in currently.

In the meantime, I thought I'd roll the dice on a forum post as I'm still hopeful but pretty much prepared for the likely outcome

Would be grateful for any potential advice or even stern lecturing if I've mis-id'd her species
Your tortoise appears deceased. I'm so sorry for your loss.
 

Zomboyted

New Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2021
Messages
6
Location (City and/or State)
Uk
Thank you all for your replies and advice, I really do appreciate it.

Her entire plastron has now changed colour to something resembling a deep bruise with red streaks following the most recent warm water bath, not an expert but pretty certain that's the beginning of decomposition. Still no movement and no reaction to stimuli.

She is indeed dead without any need to fully submerge her in water.

Thanks again and wishing you all many happy years with your little chums
 

Zomboyted

New Member
Joined
Jul 7, 2021
Messages
6
Location (City and/or State)
Uk
Sadly, the tortoise certainly appears to be deceased as others have said. Here is a quick test: put the nostrils under the surface of the water for a few seconds or even more. If you see no bubbles coming from them and the tortoise doesn't attempt to move, your tortoise is dead.

Hi Zovick,

Many thanks for your reply and yes, that would certainly do it for sure.

Best wishes
 

harrythetortoise

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2020
Messages
456
Location (City and/or State)
Virginia
Hello again Harry,

Many thanks for your kind words and kindness.

I can only state my opinion that Hermann torts are the best, they're so full of personality and vivacity that you'll often be annoyed by the bumping & bashing but love every second of it, the final absence of that familiar sound is deafening.

I wish you and your chum many happy years together ?
I am so sorry for your loss...
 

kaycov

Active Member
5 Year Member
Joined
Nov 18, 2017
Messages
104
Location (City and/or State)
Lexington
I'm sorry for your tortoise, Gamera. I also have a female (Redfoot) named Gamera who is a little over four years old. My sympathies.
 

Chigal1

New Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2021
Messages
14
Location (City and/or State)
CA
Hello,

Hope you're all keeping well and apologies for a similar harrowing post that you may have read a dozen times from two dozen people

My tortoise, Gamera, gradually became lethargic and stopped eating over 7-9 days following a visit by my niece who adores her. The niece did have a terrible cough and cold at the time but Gamera has displayed absolutely no signs of a respiratory infection.

She's approximately 11 years old and has always been very active from dawn to late night.

This is day 2 with regular warm water baths. She's stiff, no floppy appendages or floppy head, resistant to gentle leg pulling (as in won't move), doesn't appear to breathing though although am hopeful that it may be imperceptible but fully aware that if hopes and wishes were dishes, I would be supplying restaurants around the world. There is no smell to suggest decay/decomp at all.

There's no reddening of the shell or plastron, there's some pinkish lines on the plastron but had always assumed that was to do with new growth. There's no bloating or anything that would suggest cause of death or symptoms. She weighed around 410gm four days ago but had stopped eating

I was registering her with a specialist vet before she stopped moving/died but they're reluctant to bring us in currently.

In the meantime, I thought I'd roll the dice on a forum post as I'm still hopeful but pretty much prepared for the likely outcome

Would be grateful for any potential advice or even stern lecturing if I've mis-id'd her species
I’m so sorry about your baby. Her eyes look very sunken in. ?
 

Chigal1

New Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2021
Messages
14
Location (City and/or State)
CA
Thank you all for your replies and advice, I really do appreciate it.

Her entire plastron has now changed colour to something resembling a deep bruise with red streaks following the most recent warm water bath, not an expert but pretty certain that's the beginning of decomposition. Still no movement and no reaction to stimuli.

She is indeed dead without any need to fully submerge her in water.

Thanks again and wishing you all many happy years with your little chums
God bless. So very sorry. ??????
 

Maryalice

Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2021
Messages
64
Location (City and/or State)
Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippinex
Hello,

Hope you're all keeping well and apologies for a similar harrowing post that you may have read a dozen times from two dozen people

My tortoise, Gamera, gradually became lethargic and stopped eating over 7-9 days following a visit by my niece who adores her. The niece did have a terrible cough and cold at the time but Gamera has displayed absolutely no signs of a respiratory infection.

She's approximately 11 years old and has always been very active from dawn to late night.

This is day 2 with regular warm water baths. She's stiff, no floppy appendages or floppy head, resistant to gentle leg pulling (as in won't move), doesn't appear to breathing though although am hopeful that it may be imperceptible but fully aware that if hopes and wishes were dishes, I would be supplying restaurants around the world. There is no smell to suggest decay/decomp at all.

There's no reddening of the shell or plastron, there's some pinkish lines on the plastron but had always assumed that was to do with new growth. There's no bloating or anything that would suggest cause of death or symptoms. She weighed around 410gm four days ago but had stopped eating

I was registering her with a specialist vet before she stopped moving/died but they're reluctant to bring us in currently.

In the meantime, I thought I'd roll the dice on a forum post as I'm still hopeful but pretty much prepared for the likely outcome

Would be grateful for any potential advice or even stern lecturing if I've mis-id'd her species
Am so sorry for your loss. I know how it hurts to lose one’s pet, especially after having him for so many years.
 

New Posts

Top