Red nail colour?

[Derby411]

Hello all? Just found you guys while searching for info.
I have pulled my tortoise from hibernation as I have started to see a red tinge on leg and nails..
I will be going to the vets tomorrow to check for infection but could there be any other reason for this?
His walking about very lively, even already eaten some. Had a warm bath and lamp on today.. but it worries me :/

 

[Yvonne G]

Wow. That doesn't look good, does it? Almost looks like something was dropped on the nails causing a big bruise inside. I have no words of wisdom for you. I've never seen this before, sorry. But it wouldn't surprise me if the nails fell off eventually. Let us know what the vet says

 

[Yvonne G]

Excellent picture, by the way.

 

[Derby411]

It’s on both feet.. and just noticed a leg too.. was perfect health before hibernation and I watch him so closely.. vet as soon as I can but let’s see if anyone else has been it. Worried about septicaemia with it

 

[TechnoCheese]

Did he empty his stomach completely before hibernation? How did you hibernate him?

 

[Derby411]

Yes he was completely empty.. I am paranoid about that.. he was in a box in a box with straw between and on coir. Had to be in the shed as can fit another fridge in house. Temps been 7-10 so on the warm side but his been settled and not wanting out.

 

[Derby411]

Just an update.. vets booked tomorrow afternoon

 

[Derby411]

Well the vets haven’t seen anything like it either. Weren’t concerned about septicaemia or anything. Have said to watch and wash with an iodine wash daily.

 

[Yvonne G]

Well, that sucks! I expect my vet to know what's wrong. I don't know as an iodine wash is going to be helpful, as the problem seems to be under the skin and inside the nails, not external. But, oh well. . . what do I know!

 

[Derby411]

I did mention that and she said it’s a precaution incase there is an issue which is getting in from damage to the nails outside. Said that as there were no ‘classic’ septicaemia or infection signs they wouldn’t want to give unnecessary antibiotics BUT it starts to get worse to go back and they will run tests for infection ‍

 

[Cleigh9579]

How it this little one doing?

 

[Derby411]

His very well thank you.. the red has dulled down and almost look like growth lines now.. eating like a trooper and his usual miserable self lol