Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I feel at a loss here with my redfoot, Freckles. She has been very lethargic, to the point of not moving her body at all. She hasn't been eating and has barely been drinking. Her eyes seem kinda puffy and she sneezes frequently. The skin around the base of her neck is pink and puffy, too. I took her to a vet, but I don't think it helped at all. He gave her a shot of vitamin B complex and a prescription of panmycin. Has anyone come across this kind of problem before? If so, what did you do to help?!

D

I know how helpless you can feel... I have an appointment with my vet later on today(after waiting a week!) regarding my redfoot that was mauled by a rottweiler. I have printed out your request and I will see if I can get you a second opinion. Hang in there!
Peter

Thank you very much! I would appreciate any help you can give!

D

Can you post/send me a picture? The vet was wondering about the pink inflamation around the neck. Is there any similar swelling around the legs right now? Any discharge of any fluids through places that normally are dry(legs, elbows, toes)? How are the eyes? Clear or is there any film on them? Any breathing noise coming from the nose that normally isn't there? Anything else you can think of would be great. I'll stand by. There is another tortoise specialist at the museum where my wife works who just came back from holidays this morning. He said he would like to see a picture too. We'll get to the bottom of this!

Thanks so much for your help. Actually, I can't get a picture just yet because I took her to the vet and they opted to keep her under observation until Friday. The vet seems to lean towards, primarily, a respiratory infection, with a possibility of some deficiencies. She's not sure about the swelling though, and seems adamant to treat the respiratory infection first, then concern herself with the rest afterwards. I have faith in this vet. There is some leaking or discharge from the cloaca of some clear, viscous liquid, but from no where else. Thanks again for all the help you've been.

D

Hi,
DO you have an update on your poor Tort?

Renard

Sadly, yes. I'm afraid that she passed away Tuesday. An autopsy showed what appeared to be a form of liver cancer, which left her with a shriveled, brittle liver. It seems that was the primary cause for her weakness, and subsequent contraction of a respiratory infection. I haven't posted anything yet on it because I am still having trouble talking about it. Thanks for your interest and help.

D

My sympathy goes out to you and anyone who has lost a pet tort.