How do you treat a sick tortoise?

Treatment usually entails a course or antibiotics, often for several weeks to months (depending on the severity of the RI). These can be given orally, but give that these tortoises often are not eating and have strong jaws and withdraw into the shell even when ill, the treatment is often given via injections.

How do you know if tortoise is dying?

One way to check on your tortoise is to simply pick him up. If he retains muscle control, then he is fine. That means even if his head and limbs are still tucked in his shell, he’s got control and he’s just snoozing. But if the tortoise’s legs and head droop and wobble, then the tortoise is likely deceased.

What diseases do sulcata tortoises carry?

Salmonellosis is perhaps the single most infamous zoonosis (disease that can be transmitted from animals to people) associated with reptiles. Over 200 types of Salmonella have been isolated from reptiles, including aquatic turtles, land tortoises, lizards, snakes and crocodilians.

Why is my tortoise being sick?

Vomiting may just be an inability to digest food properly. This is often tied to sunlight and the temperature of their enclosure. Tortoises need sunlight and warmth to digest their food. If their enclosure is too cold or they are not getting enough hours of UV rays, this may cause them to vomit.

How do I know if my tortoise has a respiratory infection?

Tortoise respiratory infection symptoms Early symptoms will include a runny nose, usually with a clear nasal discharge from the nostrils. On occasion this may form small bubbles at the nostrils accompanied by noisy breathing although the discharge may quickly become thicker and yellowish.

Should I soak my tortoise?

Tortoises need to soak twice a week or so to help them stay hydrated and clean. This keeps them strong and healthy, avoiding getting sick from dehydration or bacteria that can build up on their body. Tortoises also need to soak so that the shell and the skin do not crack from dryness.

Can you get sick from a tortoise?

Most, if not all, reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria in their intestinal tract and may shed these bacteria in their faeces. Salmonella bacteria usually do not cause any illness in reptiles, but can cause serious illness in people. Salmonella bacteria are easily spread from reptiles to humans.

Can dogs get sick from tortoises?

Tortoises can carry giardia, another single-celled parasite. Most of their giardia species won’t infect humans or other animals. Turtles and tortoises can get badly maimed, or worse, by dogs who lose control of their predatory instincts.

How do you treat sulcata tortoise flu?

Your vet may administer an antibiotic via injection to counteract the infection, and you may need to give nasal drops to your tortoises as well. Nursing care, such as wiping away any nasal discharge is important too.

How can I help my turtle with a respiratory infection?

Treatment of respiratory tract infections usually involves administration of antibiotics, given orally, through injection, or possibly as nose drops. Very sick turtles may require intensive care, including fluid therapy and force feeding, in the hospital. Abscesses are treated surgically.

What kind of health problems do Sulcata tortoises have?

Common Health Problems. Like many reptiles, sulcata tortoises are prone to respiratory infections, especially if they’re kept in enclosures or environments that are too humid. Metabolic bone disease is a serious ailment among tortoises and other reptiles.

How big do African spurred tortoises get?

African spurred tortoises (Geochelone sulcata) Commonly referred to as sulcatas, are a hearty tortoise from the deserts of Africa. The do extremely well locally given proper care. They start off small and cute but grow to weights of over 75 pounds with exceptionally large individuals weighing more than 100 pounds.

Do Sulcata tortoises make good pets for babies?

The Sulcata Tortoise is an extremely popular pet and is known for its immense size, tan and brown shell, and large scales. Before adopting a baby it is best to talk with local pet shops and re-home a senior as there is an excess of Sulcatas worldwide. They make great pets for first time reptile owners who are ready for a lifelong commitment.

What is the scientific name of sulcata tortoise?

Common Names: Sulcata tortoise, African spurred tortoise. Scientific Name: Geochelone sulcata. Adult Size: 18 to 30 inches long, weighing 80 to 150 pounds. Life Expectancy: 70 years or more

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