Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have a young sulcata, 320 grams, about 6 inches, maybe a year old, with a mild resp infection. We went to the vet last thursday when i caught it early. He's had 3 shots of Amikacin thus far. It is working, he has started to eat SOME again, not much but some.

I am keeping him soaking daily, hydrated and WARM 24/7. He has a spot of 102, and areas of 90's that he stays in most of the time, but cooler areas available.

Is there anything else i can do besides let time take its course and help heal him, and give him his 4th and last shot? He still has a bit of discharge. Very small amount.

Thanks
Hunter

I heard you should soak a sick tort 2x- 4x a day for 20mins. He sounds like the lil'one is coming along though if eating. Hope it pulls through. Sulcatas a pretty hardy. Regards ; )

He is being soaked for a good bit, but not nearly that long. I had not heard that.

He is urinating well, i know this because when i inject him, he pees on me, and it is a nice, long stream. Also, the food he eats is wet. I wet all the hay, grass, any mazuri i might give him, as well as any mallow, hibiscus etc....and cactus is juicy...but i will soak him longer, yes.

thank you for your help!
Hunter

Water=WARM, paper napkin-wrap dry (i call turtle towels) to Avoid Chilling. He's small, keeping his temperatures in encloseure, 90f -95f = loss of moisture. It's like a human that needs liquids when we're sick! The level of the water should be right below its chin. He is small so 10-15min soaks suffice, or until it appears uncomfortable, at least 2x to 4x a day. I've heard another tortoise lover even mixes up vegetable baby food, and some vitamins creating a soup bath for a soak. I've also heard another tortoise keeper added childrens' Pedealite (sp?) in a soak for a sick tort; this was done for a tort that wasn't eating.

You sound like you're on the right track with your little tort

As discussed, hydration is of utmost importance. Your vet probably mentioned this, but amakacin, while a great antibiotic, is nephrotoxic... it will harm the kidneys. To avoid any damage it is very, very important to make sure hydration, thus blood volume, thus kidney function is optimal. Everything you are doing, and in addition to the added suggestions by other post's will do your tortoise fine.

If still a dischage after the final injection book a recheck exam with your vet. Injections are every 3 days correct? Book the recheck prior to when a 5th injection would be scheduled.

Ian

He's doing much better...the amikacin wasnt cutting it for some reason. He's on claforan daily for 1 week. Still soaking 3 times a day. He is eating great, all clear of nasal discharges! Yay!

Thanks for all the help!
Hunter

n/m