Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I'm new to the forum, lizards and snakes are my focus, but just received a very sick Rusian Tortoise from a neighbor. I need some expert advice. The tortoise has limited mobility, especially in hind legs, cannot feed on it's own, has swollen eyes. I have set it up in a tub with both a light for heat and an undertank heating pad. I soak it for 10-20 minutes in warm water daily. Have used commercial eye drops (with vit.A) on the eyes, also bathe eyes daily with warm water. They are much improved. I have been attempting to get food and water into it , but it's been tough. Use an eye dropper to place water on lips, it will take some water, when it opens it's mouth, I attempt to inject a mixture of baby food and vitamins, with limited success. Also place in direct sun for short periods when available. I refuse to give up on the little guy. Any help would be gteatly appreciated. Thanks for your time, Mike

Hello Sick Russian-
sounds like you're doing standard operating procedure for lil'sick one. Keep up this routine- especially the baby warm hydrating baths and providing the hot to warm temperature gradation in quarentine. Heat emitters are great; they provide the heat minus the light- condusive to less stress from using constant light for warmth. The baby food should be offered warm- you may have to see a vet to show you how to force feed if weight loss is significant. I've read somewhere an owner used vegetable soup baby food mixture for a warm soak, followed with warm h2o rinses.

Thanks for the advice. I appreciate your time. I have been covering the tortoise with a sheet of newspaper, to reduce stress from the light source. Any tips on feeding?? I am aware of the dangers of introducing food or water into the lungs. Any tricks?? Am using sweet potatoe, mixed vegetable, and peach baby food mixed with Miner-Al. He doesn't seem to be declining, although no major improvement noted, with the exception of some movement in the hind legs now. It's certainly a challenge! Your response was greatly appreciated.

How is the lil'one? Can you get tortoise food like Pretty Pals food for Tortoises, or Mazuri. Try to get one of these, then crush/mix with baby veggie food & warm water. If you want to serve fresh items, finely minced dandalions, kale, are more ideal. Fruit items are more prefered by redfoots; for russians fruits are more like a 'sugar treat food'. If the feeding dosen't improve with weight loss, seriously consider a vet if you haven't done so. You may want to check out the link for food items.
Good Luck!
Link

Thank you again,
I am using the baby food, because it's easy to administer with a syringe. I was hoping to trigger a feeding response with 'candy". I will take your advice and mince some greens. I have a good variety.
He appears to be a bit stronger. It was 80 here today, so was able to get him some direct sun. If my attempts don't produce some measurable gains soon, I will take him to my vet. I don't want to wait much longer. Weight seems good, and has increased movement still not feeding on own. I appreciate your support.

Please take him to your vet. No Internet advice will be good enough, as you don't know what else that animal could have. Whether a mineral, or vitamin deficiency, or even a parasitic infestation, toying with remedies without a professional opinion may only extend his misery.

Wanda

Thanks Wanda,
You are correct Wanda. Both you and Ringo have advised a trip to the vet and I am going to do so immediately. I have a very good vet that is especially good with reptiles. Thanks for the push. Mike