MEDICAL PROBLEMSTortoise Group can provide you with a list of veterinarians in t
he Las Vegas area who have experience treating tortoises. See Page ii for
securing Information Sheet #24. ACCIDENTS AND INJURIESThe most common accidents that result in death or injury are preventable. They include dog attacks, attempts to climb or get through wire fencing, tipping over, getting caught when climbing over stored items, falling into swimming pools, and being hit by a car because the yard was not secure and the tortoise escaped. Even though tortoises have amazing ability to heal, we suggest you seek veterinary help. Even superficial wounds should be treated, because a maggot infestation can be more of a threat than the injury.If you have an unfenced swimming pool or pond, be prepared in advance in the event of drowning. See Page ii for securing Information Sheet #25, Drowning and Resuscitation. There are first aid instructions that may save the tortoise’s life. A tortoise that appears dead may not be dead. If you have one tortoise, there is much less chance it will fall in the pool than if there are two interacting in any way near water. RespiratoryUpper respiratory tract disease (URTD) is common and may be life threatening. Signs include runny or blocked nostrils, difficulty breathing, runny eyes, puffed lids, and loss of appetite. URTD is communicable among tortoises. Predisposing causes are usually stress related and may include improper diet, excess humidity, and crowding. Antibiotics may eliminate the signs and prevent pneumonia and death. The condition may become chronic. Some tortoises live a long and otherwise normal life but remain carriers of URTD. We suggest early veterinary help.GastrointestinalSoil and pebbles are sometimes eaten by both pet and wild tortoises. The need for minerals may be one reason. This does not necessarily cause problems, but impactions in pet tortoises have been associated with eating pebbles.Intestinal parasites are a hidden problem increased when the tortoise eats sweet fruits and corn. Have your tortoise checked by a vet. To control the severity of infestation and the chance of reinfestation, collect the droppings (scats) often and discard them. Salmonella. Washing hands after handling tortoises can help prevent the spread of Salmonella that is often present in tortoises. Small children are especially at risk, because they tend to put their fingers in their mouths. Small children should not handle tortoises. See Page ii for securing Information Sheet #26 on Salmonella.
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