Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I found my 5-6" greek tort with a "prolapse penis"...any ideas?
it looks to big to push back in, it looks like it another foot coming out of it rectum...he does poop...help
should i take to vet? or will it go away
patrick

Prolapsed...yes, you have a Veterinary emergency, if truly prolapsed. You may want to keep it damp, and clean, try not to let the organ drag around in abrasive gravel. However, sometimes people misdiagnose, not used to seeing a tortoise in love with a rock, they think it is a prolapse. Do your research and find a VET with relevant experience, or go to one who is not too proud to call an expert, i.e. Mader or Frye, etc. Good luck, let us know what happens. I have not had this experience with my herd, but I would like to learn from yours in case it should happen. It's always some d#%$ thing...but they are mostly fun. Good luck, Vic

update....
I took him into the vet the next day....good thing I did.
yes it was a prolapsed penis and the vet was able to save it.
When the vet saw it he said that he may have to amputate his penis but, he took the tort to the back and he took off the excess skin, push it back in, and gave him some shots. The vet said that he would have died if i didn't bring him in. we go back on friday for a check up to see if everything is saying in.
also, the vet told me that you shouldn't try to push it back in, it could hurt the tort.

Wow...scary stuff. You are so fortunate to have a Vet that knows how to handle such a problem. Did he offer an opinion on WHY it prolapsed? Curiously, I have observed various lizards running around with there hemipenes dragging in the dirt...but I guess they survive. Thanks for the update, and wishing you and your little guy luck, Vic

The vet said that he was young and inexperianced. bacically he couldn't pull it back in. He also said that a trauma could have caused it. It is fairly common or they get a prolapesed intestine. To make a long story short be on the safe side and see your vet.