Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in south Florida and it has been raining alot lately. Needless to say, my Redfoots have been going at it. When I came home yesterday, I noticed my big male (15 inches) was on his back. I know Redfoot males will get aggressive with each other during mating season so I thought no big deal. When I turned him over however, I noticed he could not keep his head up. It appears that his neck is broken. He is still trying to eat but not very gracefully. I have no idea what to do. I have 3.5 Redfoots in a 500 square foot area. Never had this problem before. Any advice would be appreciated.

I would think it would be very difficult for a large tortoise to break it's neck.

What probably did happen is that it strained its neck trying to right itself. If you've ever seen a tortoise do this you could understand how. They will atempt to do this until they either succeed in righting itself or tires trying.

To be sure you might consider having it xrayed.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

I doubt he has a broken neck. More likely he is just exhausted from trying to right himself.
Maybe give him a good soaking (very shallow water) and let him relax.

My wife took him to the vet and they X-rayed him. It's broke. The vet is not sure how to handle this which makes me concerned. I wish a had a good Reptile Vet near me that actually knew something. I don't want to lose my Alpha Male and don't want him to suffer. Any suggestions?

I can't believe that it's neck is broke. Whatever tortoise fliped it probably finished the job but the neck bones of a tortoise are usually very flexable and cushioned with cartilage.

Anyway, ask if your vet can contact Dr. Jay Johnson at the Camelback vet clinic in Pheonix. He's done some amazing things with tortoises.
Another resource is Dr. Douglas Mader or Dr. Elliot Jacobson. They might be able or willing to help your vet.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Can he move his legs? I am not a tortoise vet, but in dogs and cats, if there is a fracture that has affected the spinal cord- there should be some neurologic abnormalities in all 4 limbs if it occurs before the front legs. Can he move his neck?
You may have luck by contacting your local zoo for a vet referral ,or contact your nearest vet school.

try www.herpvetconnection.com or www.arav.com (also has a link to the former) for local herp vets. Dr. Jacobson is in Florida as well and is hugely respected worldwide.

He died shortly after my wife brought him home on Friday. I can't believe it.

Oh, no I was really hoping that he would pull through and heal. I'm sorry for your loss.

n/p
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Becki

1 Husband
4 kids
2 Hermans
1 Dog
2 Finches
2 Betta
1 Cat

I'm so sorry. It's a real shame to lose one of your prized breeders like that. My condolences.
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Sohni
Northern California