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My partner and I have a Russian Tortoise female, Louise, 17 years old. We've had her for 8 years now. She had her complete exam today, complete with chem panel, protein panel, parasite check, etc. Our vet reported that her calcium was very high--17+. We checked with Dr. Joe Heinen, a Russian Tortoise breeder that we've dealt with for 4 years now and he said that this was actually within normal limits for RTs and that different species have different ranges. Our vet said Louise may be carrying eggs and something about doing an ultrasound if she starts losing her appetite. She also talked about the option of spaying her. What are the concerns about females laying unfertilized eggs? Please help.

Submitted: 252 days and 8 hours ago.

Category: Pet

Value: $9

Status: CLOSED

Age: >12; Female; Breed: RUSSIAN TORTOISE

Already Tried:
Nothing. Louise is sleeping now.
We wanted more information from a reptire vet.
This is a great site! thanks

Posted by Anna 252 days and 7 hours ago.

Info Request

Hello,

Reptiles is a fairly new category at Just Answer. There are no reptile vets online right now. If you'd like, I can help you. You can look at my profile by clicking on it at the end of the post. Then, just let me know if you'd like me to help, or if you prefer to wait for a vet.

Thank you.

Anna

252 days and 7 hours ago.

Reply

We prefer to wait for a vet, but thank you.
Actually, my partner and I are very experienced
tortoise owners with 15 years between us--

we just never had this problem before and
we're scared! We've heard of
uterine prolapses, bleeding, etc.

Thanks for this great site and your willingness
to help!
Lane

Posted by Anna 252 days and 7 hours ago.

Info Request

Thank you for getting back to me, Lane. We'll try to get you a vet as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience. I'm going to opt out of your question now, so it will be open for a vet.

Anna

Edited by MsAM on 3/15/2009 at 3:04 AM

Accepted Answer

Hello Lane,

Sorry about the delay ...

The moderators have asked me to chat with you about your question, my name is Scott and I have been in small animal practice in the UK for a great number of years and have seen tortoises on a regular basis in that time. I would make the following comments :

1. You are doing the right thing in having regular routine examinations, particularly at the level you describe. If your tortoise is acting normally then I think you would have very little to worry about.

2. I agree with Dr. Heinen that different species of tortoise will have different blood calcium levels and other different blood values for that matter. It sounds as if he knows what he is talking about.

3. Actually laying unfertilised eggs would present no problem the main worry your vet has is that your tortoise may be egg bound, however if this was the case you might see symptoms such as lethargy or depression, straining, lack of appetite, vomiting, or even prolapse. I assume you are not seeing any of those things so it is likely your pet is healthy and not egg bound.

4. If there is any question about your tortoise being egg bound a quick X-ray or other imaging technique would confirm the diagnosis. I would not carry out any surgery on tortoises unless it was absolutely necessary.

If I have not covered your question fully enough or you would like to ask more I will be online for the next hour or so and I will be at your disposal.

Scott Nimmo BVMS MRCVS

Accepts:
Expert:	Scott Nimmo BVMS, MRCVS
Pos. Feedback:	99.0 %
Answered:	3/15/2009

Veterinarian

I have 28 years experience in all aspects of small animal medicine and surgery.

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Age: >12; Female; Breed: RUSSIAN TORTOISE

Already Tried:
Nothing. Louise is sleeping now.
We wanted more information from a reptire vet.
This is a great site! thanks

Info Request

Reply

Info Request

Thank you for getting back to me, Lane. We'll try to get you a vet as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience. I'm going to opt out of your question now, so it will be open for a vet.

Anna

Edited by MsAM on 3/15/2009 at 3:04 AM

Accepted Answer

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Age: >12; Female; Breed: RUSSIAN TORTOISE Already Tried: Nothing. Louise is sleeping now. We wanted more information from a reptire vet. This is a great site! thanks

Info Request

Reply

Info Request

Thank you for getting back to me, Lane. We'll try to get you a vet as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience. I'm going to opt out of your question now, so it will be open for a vet. AnnaEdited by MsAM on 3/15/2009 at 3:04 AM

Accepted Answer

Related Pet Questions

Age: >12; Female; Breed: RUSSIAN TORTOISE

Already Tried:
Nothing. Louise is sleeping now.
We wanted more information from a reptire vet.
This is a great site! thanks

Thank you for getting back to me, Lane. We'll try to get you a vet as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience. I'm going to opt out of your question now, so it will be open for a vet.

Anna

Edited by MsAM on 3/15/2009 at 3:04 AM