Should I take my 3 month old red foot to the vet? There doesn't seem to be any problems with him but I'm just wondering if a wellness check up is something I should do or should I leave him alone unless there's an issue?
Vet?
- Thread starter kjturtlegirl
- Start date
Sara G.
Active Member
IMO I'd save your money. Unless there's a definite problem, you shouldn't need to take your little one to the vet.
But if it will give you peace of mind, then go for it!
But if it will give you peace of mind, then go for it!
I agree with SaraIMO I'd save your money. Unless there's a definite problem, you shouldn't need to take your little one to the vet.
But if it will give you peace of mind, then go for it!
And... unless you are completely sure the vet is experienced with tortoises which many/most aren't... you won't learn anything useful for your money either.
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Save your money
Thanks everyone! I do have a few vets in my area that are experienced with tortoises. Hopefully, I'll never have to visit any of them.
I have always thought it's nice to get the tortoise's stats onto a vet record. This way, if you have to take the tortoise in at a later time because he's sick, they have something to compare to.
It's completely up to you and what you can afford, but I think a well-baby check is an ok thing to do. Not a mandatory thing, though.
It's completely up to you and what you can afford, but I think a well-baby check is an ok thing to do. Not a mandatory thing, though.
We took our babies in couple months ago just to establish relationship with one of our local reptile vets. I believe that once an animal (same goes for humans) has existing file at the doctors then in case of any urgent need later on the will not be a wait time to get in. Our babies got clean bill of health, the office staff adored them, and the doc was impressed with our husbandry. That is always good to hear. Sure it cost $$$! But to us it was worth it. Now we have a number on cell phone speed dial to call in case something happens and one of our babies needs medical attention.
I'm on the fence because some vets claim to know how to treat tortoises but give outlandish advice ("Vitamin shots are good! Here, let me inject it in the hind legs. Let's do an unnecessary deworming as well!") BUT if it's your first tort, it would be nice to find a good vet and get a lot of care tips and disease prevention info. Then again, you could just get all of that on here.
Thanks everyone!
I am not worried about anything. I believe my Wendell is doing great! I was just wondering what the general opinion was or if there was an important reason to have my little one checked out.
I agree. I took my Rowan in to do two things. First, to get initial stats on record and to establish a relationship with a vet. I didn't want to try to find a vet who would look at him in an emergency. I figured if the vet had already seen him/her once that it'd be easier to get him/her seen in an emergency situation.
I would only take his poop for a check up so called fecal exam, parasites can develop unnoticed.
I recommend building a relationship with a good tortoise vet so you have someone to trust if there is a problem.
A lot of vets say they see tortoises but in reality they seldom have hands on experience. Find one that does, don't be afraid to ask for references.
A lot of vets say they see tortoises but in reality they seldom have hands on experience. Find one that does, don't be afraid to ask for references.
