I think my post got lost under that controversial thread... Please help, folks, please, if you can. We found a tortoise in our yard today; his shell is about the length of my hand. While we were holding him, he began to open and close his mouth, I thought in hopes of snapping us. Instead, he began to vomit bloody matter! It looked like he was regurgitating his insides! Horrible, horrible! We put him in a box as we screamed and put him in the garage, then immediately searched and found your forum.
Is he dying a hideous death? Or do tortoises sometimes vomit what they've eaten? Could it be the bloody remains of a frog or something?
What to do? It's nighttime on a Saturday, and I don't think we have any tortoise vets around here, anyway.
He looks like an old fella. He's been someone's pet at some time, as one of his shell marks is painted blue. His shell is also surprisingly smooth, as if someone buffed it. (?)
Arlee
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Bloody Vomit -- PLEASE HELP!!!
Replies (4)
I'd hop online and see if you can find any emergency vets in your area--even if they aren't close enough to reach, it might be worth a phone consultation. I really don't know about whether he's sick or not (although it sounds like it)--I'm new myself, so I'm so sorry I can't help more! I'd definitely recommend keeping him warm and comfortable, and also conductng a search online to see who the nearest reptile vet might be...thanks for taking care of the old fellow--I'm sure he appreciates it.
n/p
Sorry--I feel so bad when I hear about a sick animal...parasites can definitely cause vomiting, so I would recommend taking it to a vet who can verify whether or not this could be the problem. Even regular vets know how to check for parasites (you can always call ahead to ask, since they would probably be grateful for the heads-up anyway)...let us know how things turn out!
Meg
I just noticed you said it was the size of your hand.
Can you tell if it is a Box Turtle? Does what it threw up look like intestines? You might have happened on it while it was eating (earth worms) and it got freaked and threw up it's meal.
Did you see any actual blood?
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care
