Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Quote by Kenneth Brower on the Galapagos tortoise nearing the
end of its life. Very haunting. Very moving:
"One day he gets too weak to move, and stops.
He stays in that spot for months,
sometimes, his long-practiced power of enduring, his racial
skill at it, serving him long after his power to move and get food has failed.
Watching leaves fall, probably, and the season change, the
tortoise living only in his head and eyes, a spark somewhere still inside, above the plastron and below the dome."
Kenneth Brower

What Should I do? Wanted to share that my little star tortoise has been sick- she's been in Tufts University for the past week. I ordered her online through a classified here on Kingsnake.com. She arrived over-night express on the 9th in an unmarked box; no indication of parishable within or orientated top- When I opened the box- I knew she wasn't right. I rushed to Grafton Ma- Cummings Vet Clinic of Tufts University. She was as described in the quote- listless, eyes closed, quiet. . . She's been like this all this time. The blood work done:
"...revealed a high number of monocytes. High monocyte numbers are indicative of chronic infection that began more then a week ago. Radiographs taken revealed normal lungs, but large amount of gas in the G.I tract and emaciation".
The vet was shown the box and he was mortified at the lack of labeling to indicate parishable within, "The postal workers could of placed her in the cargo area where temps could of droped below zero at high elevations".
Last night she came home for the first time. Doctors reccomended she stay- but the bill already totaled $619.00! I have to force feed her with baby food. She's so small and frankly- Im surprised she makes through every night so far. I like to think she has a will to live- being so young.

I'm glad I was able to write this to all who read it- I feel helpless and alone with her- being so sick, so small- and the vet bill being so large. . . Life is so precious isn't it- even if it is "just a tortoise".

Your prayers are most welcomed- Thankyou

Welcome to the world of keeping tortoises...

After keeping these creatures for over 35 years I will never get used to this aspect. They can take months to years to die and there is nothing you can do.

I have an Egyptian right now that I've had for over 10 years. A WC animal which is going through the same thing. I sometimes wish they would just get it over with and die. I think to put them out of their misery but I always have hope they will pull through.

I've spent thousands over the years over such cases and I always want to blame the vet or somebody... including myself.
It is a tough period to go through.

Your opening quote is a beautiful description of the pattern and the feeling.

That said... chalk it up to experience. There a many Stars being imported and sold as CB animals. If you can't see it first hand you should pass. I know this doesn't help in your case and might even anger you but I hope someone else reads this and thinks twice about buying a CB star for an unblelievable price from a retailer.

There are real breeders out there and I can't think of one that would sell wholesale to a shop of dealer.

>>Quote by Kenneth Brower on the Galapagos tortoise nearing the
>>end of its life. Very haunting. Very moving:
>> "One day he gets too weak to move, and stops.
>>He stays in that spot for months,
>>sometimes, his long-practiced power of enduring, his racial
>>skill at it, serving him long after his power to move and get food has failed.
>>Watching leaves fall, probably, and the season change, the
>>tortoise living only in his head and eyes, a spark somewhere still inside, above the plastron and below the dome."
>> Kenneth Brower
>>
>> What Should I do? Wanted to share that my little star tortoise has been sick- she's been in Tufts University for the past week. I ordered her online through a classified here on Kingsnake.com. She arrived over-night express on the 9th in an unmarked box; no indication of parishable within or orientated top- When I opened the box- I knew she wasn't right. I rushed to Grafton Ma- Cummings Vet Clinic of Tufts University. She was as described in the quote- listless, eyes closed, quiet. . . She's been like this all this time. The blood work done:
>> "...revealed a high number of monocytes. High monocyte numbers are indicative of chronic infection that began more then a week ago. Radiographs taken revealed normal lungs, but large amount of gas in the G.I tract and emaciation".
>> The vet was shown the box and he was mortified at the lack of labeling to indicate parishable within, "The postal workers could of placed her in the cargo area where temps could of droped below zero at high elevations".
>>Last night she came home for the first time. Doctors reccomended she stay- but the bill already totaled $619.00! I have to force feed her with baby food. She's so small and frankly- Im surprised she makes through every night so far. I like to think she has a will to live- being so young.
>>
>>I'm glad I was able to write this to all who read it- I feel helpless and alone with her- being so sick, so small- and the vet bill being so large. . . Life is so precious isn't it- even if it is "just a tortoise".
>>
>>Your prayers are most welcomed- Thankyou
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

EJ-
Thankyou for your encouraging and supportive shared experience. Your words help me place this happening in a larger picture. Has any of your sick torts make it from such a hellish situation? It is so difficult!
I am new to keeping tortoises. I've had a tortoise for only 5 yrs- this is the first time for me to have one so small. Your writing and many other articles I've encountered help me realize that learning about the dark sides of this trade is part of mastering the best sides. I only hope others will benefit from our posts and take heed.
Good Luck with your little ones- keep me posted on your EgypTort & GBless!

I'm sorry to say that the majority of the time they waste away and... At least in my experience. You might be trying something I haven't and it sounds like you are taking the best course of action you can. Please keep us posted.

In any business there is going to be good and bad.
What's really sad about the Stars is that when they get to that point they especially look so feeble and pathetic. It's heartbreaking.

And thanks for the kind words.

>>EJ-
>>Thankyou for your encouraging and supportive shared experience. Your words help me place this happening in a larger picture. Has any of your sick torts make it from such a hellish situation? It is so difficult!
>>I am new to keeping tortoises. I've had a tortoise for only 5 yrs- this is the first time for me to have one so small. Your writing and many other articles I've encountered help me realize that learning about the dark sides of this trade is part of mastering the best sides. I only hope others will benefit from our posts and take heed.
>>Good Luck with your little ones- keep me posted on your EgypTort & GBless!
-----
Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care