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Good evening. Our tortoise hasnt moved nor eaten for more than a week now and we had stupidly put this on the account of the unusual cold weather, thinking he was sort of going into hibernation again. But suddenly this evening I have the string gut feeling that this is actually a sick or suffering animal. Should I wait until tomorrow morning or take him to a 24h surgery? I am really worried now. Thank you. We live in North London, Camden
Optional Information: Pet's Gender: Female Pet's Age: 5 Name of Animal: Raphael Already Tried: Take him out, feed him, close his vivarium so he gets warmer under his uv lamp.
Hello,
What type of tortoise do you have?
What type of diet is Raphael on?
What are the temps?
Is he housed inside or outside?
If inside, do you have a UVB light? How old? Tube or coil and strength?
Do you have a basking light?
Do you feed any supplements?
Joan
W have a Spur Thied tortoise. It leaves inside. He has a UVB light , maybe a 1.5 year old. Temps is 25. Diet is vegetables. Supplements we haven't done for a while. This uvb was recommended by the reptile shop.
The UVB light is way too old. They need to be changed every 6 months or they loose potency. Rapheal also needs a calcium supplement for the UVB light to metabolize the calcium into Vitamin D3 in the bodty. This is needed to prevent Metabolic Bone Disease.
The Diet should be higher in fiber and should include hays, grasses and weeds. This is a link for diet: http://www.sulcata-station.org/diet.html
Sulcata tortoises do not Hibernate, so the tortoise is definately ill, and will need to see a Herp Vet. This is a care sheet to improve the husbandry: http://www.sulcata-station.org/basics.html
I am going to give you links for Herp Vets that can treat Raphael: http://www.britishcheloniagroup.org.uk/vetscorner/vetlist.htm
http://www.livefoods.co.uk/Vets.php
I do suggest getting Raphael into a Herp Vet asap, as he seems very ill and may need some fluids under the skin.
Dear Joan, I am not sure tis is the right type of tortoise we are talking about? Ours definitely hibernate every year since 3 years now, and it is a Spur Thied tortoise. Ith si the same as a sulcata tortoise? Other than this I am sure indeed he needs immediate attention. Can this wait until tomorrow morning you think? Many thanks
Hi,
Sulcata toroises are also know as African Spurred Thighed Tortoises and normally they do not hibernate. If Raphael does that is very unusual, but very possible. He also may be this species: http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/files/TGGJuly08.pdf
As far as beeing seen, if you have someone who can see him this evening, that would be great, but I want to be sure it is someone knowledgeable about tortoises. Joan
Thanks for this. But i dont really know where to take him tonight. It would have to be indeed to a qualified vet and am not aware of any 24h vet in central London? Can you please recommend any ? I was going to ask tomorrow the reptile shop near us who sold him to us as they have been in the industry for 20 years and are very knowledgeable.
You can use these two links to locate a Tortoise Vet for Raphael:
Herp Vets that can treat Raphael: http://www.britishcheloniagroup.org.uk/vetscorner/vetlist.htm
At this point I would wait for the AM and see a specialist.
Experience: I have been doing Reptile Rescues for 15+ Years