The first thing to consider is the source of the red foot. Know where it comes from. Ask the right questions upon purchasing and be satisfied with the answers. You have a right to ask questions.
Red Foot Tortoises are usually pretty healthy as long as they're diet and habitat is kept proper. As long as the humidity, temperature, lighting, and diet is kept according to proper requirements, you'll find that a pet Red Footed Tortoise is going to stay pretty healthy.It is very important that you keep an eye on your tortoise's behaviors, feeding habits, and routines so that if there is a change, you can act immediately.
Red Foot Tortoises are usually pretty healthy as long as they're diet and habitat is kept proper. As long as the humidity, temperature, lighting, and diet is kept according to proper requirements, you'll find that a pet Red Footed Tortoise is going to stay pretty healthy.It is very important that you keep an eye on your tortoise's behaviors, feeding habits, and routines so that if there is a change, you can act immediately.
Cuts / Small Abrasions:
Cuts need to be cleaned with lukewarm water and mild soap; you can apply a topical antibiotic ointment and reapply it daily. If the wound starts to swell, you'll want to seek veterinary assistance.
Cuts need to be cleaned with lukewarm water and mild soap; you can apply a topical antibiotic ointment and reapply it daily. If the wound starts to swell, you'll want to seek veterinary assistance.
Beak
If the beak cracks, becomes chipped, or breaks, it can rebuild itself over time, but you may want to consult your veterinarian if the beak is growing back abnormally, as sometimes when the beak regrows, deformities can occur and the vet will need to trim and/or shape the beak. In most cases, the beak will be worn away naturally as the tortoise eats and gnaws on a cuttlebone.
If the beak cracks, becomes chipped, or breaks, it can rebuild itself over time, but you may want to consult your veterinarian if the beak is growing back abnormally, as sometimes when the beak regrows, deformities can occur and the vet will need to trim and/or shape the beak. In most cases, the beak will be worn away naturally as the tortoise eats and gnaws on a cuttlebone.
Calcium Deficiency
Calcium is very important and if your red foot tortoise doesn't absorb enough calcium in the body, a deficiency can cause growth problems in the shell and bones. You may notice abnormal appearance in the shell and legs. By leaving a cuttlebone in the enclosure, you can reduce the risk of Metabolic Bone Disease. Sprinkle their food with calcium at feeding time.
Calcium deficiency can be due to too little calcium/Vit D,as well as too much phosprous.
Calcium is very important and if your red foot tortoise doesn't absorb enough calcium in the body, a deficiency can cause growth problems in the shell and bones. You may notice abnormal appearance in the shell and legs. By leaving a cuttlebone in the enclosure, you can reduce the risk of Metabolic Bone Disease. Sprinkle their food with calcium at feeding time.
Calcium deficiency can be due to too little calcium/Vit D,as well as too much phosprous.
Empty Gut Syndrome
When protozoans are treated (see internal parasites section), it can wipe out any good bacteria in the gut, which can cause food to not be properly digested. You'll notice undigested food in the poo. You can add a small amount of live-cultured yogurt to the diet which will help build back the bacteria in the tortoise.
When protozoans are treated (see internal parasites section), it can wipe out any good bacteria in the gut, which can cause food to not be properly digested. You'll notice undigested food in the poo. You can add a small amount of live-cultured yogurt to the diet which will help build back the bacteria in the tortoise.
Ear Infections
Red foot tortoises can experience ear infections. It's thought to be caused by improper husbandry. You may notice swelling in the cheek or behind the jaw. Antibiotics will be needed.
Red foot tortoises can experience ear infections. It's thought to be caused by improper husbandry. You may notice swelling in the cheek or behind the jaw. Antibiotics will be needed.
Exercise
As you may have noticed, most enclosures for red foots require space. Exercise for red foots is a crucial part to their healthy well being. They need the space to roam and move around. Tortoises who do not have the room for physical activity may develop problems as basic needs are not met.
As you may have noticed, most enclosures for red foots require space. Exercise for red foots is a crucial part to their healthy well being. They need the space to roam and move around. Tortoises who do not have the room for physical activity may develop problems as basic needs are not met.
Eye Bubbles
There may be a few causes for eye bubbles but the main one is the air is too hot/dry in the enclosure. Before panicking that it is an inflammatory issue, please check this first.
There may be a few causes for eye bubbles but the main one is the air is too hot/dry in the enclosure. Before panicking that it is an inflammatory issue, please check this first.
Flies
Flies are usually attracted to cuts and abrasions and will lay their eggs in the wound. You'll want to be leery of Red foot tortoises that are kept outdoors, and you'll want to check them frequently. Use fly traps when possible to preven flies
Flies are usually attracted to cuts and abrasions and will lay their eggs in the wound. You'll want to be leery of Red foot tortoises that are kept outdoors, and you'll want to check them frequently. Use fly traps when possible to preven flies
Fungus
Clean the area first using a circular motion with a soft toothbrush dipped in Betadine, rinsing and then putting a 1% Clotrimazole anti-fungus cream on the infected areas with a Q-Tip. Fungus comes off easily. If not, it is shell rot.
This can be caused due to the enclosure substrate being too wet.
Clean the area first using a circular motion with a soft toothbrush dipped in Betadine, rinsing and then putting a 1% Clotrimazole anti-fungus cream on the infected areas with a Q-Tip. Fungus comes off easily. If not, it is shell rot.
This can be caused due to the enclosure substrate being too wet.
Internal Parasites:
You'll find that worms and protozoa are two common endo-parasites that affect tortoises. Internal parasites are most common with wild caught and imported redfoot tortoises
Roundworms are common to tortoises, and will usually cause diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and a lack of appetite. A vet can detect worms by a fecal exam, checking for eggs in the poo. Panacur is commonly used as treatment for worms
Protozoa can include various bacteria, but in general, you'll find that they can cause diseases. Signs that your tortoise has protozoa include diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, dehydration, and lethargy. Flagyl is commonly used to treat this type of internal parasites in tortoises.
You'll find that worms and protozoa are two common endo-parasites that affect tortoises. Internal parasites are most common with wild caught and imported redfoot tortoises
Roundworms are common to tortoises, and will usually cause diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and a lack of appetite. A vet can detect worms by a fecal exam, checking for eggs in the poo. Panacur is commonly used as treatment for worms
Protozoa can include various bacteria, but in general, you'll find that they can cause diseases. Signs that your tortoise has protozoa include diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, dehydration, and lethargy. Flagyl is commonly used to treat this type of internal parasites in tortoises.
Limbs: Puffy/Swollen
Puffiness and/or swollen limbs is an indication of Kidney and Cardiac problems.
Puffiness and/or swollen limbs is an indication of Kidney and Cardiac problems.
Mites
Mites are rare, but can be picked up from other reptiles. Most mites will be black or red and about the size of a poppy seed. Mites can be hard to get rid of because they can be found in hard to get places. You'll want to find a safe and effective treatment to treat the tortoise and enclosure. Ivermectic is deadly, so don't use it. Instead, spray 0.5% permethrin or a lice spray on the bedding. Do not apply directly on the animal.
Mites are rare, but can be picked up from other reptiles. Most mites will be black or red and about the size of a poppy seed. Mites can be hard to get rid of because they can be found in hard to get places. You'll want to find a safe and effective treatment to treat the tortoise and enclosure. Ivermectic is deadly, so don't use it. Instead, spray 0.5% permethrin or a lice spray on the bedding. Do not apply directly on the animal.
Pneunomia
Baytril is commonly used o treat pneumonia.Ceftazidime 100mg/ml is also used. A combination of heat, hydration and antibiotics/antifungals is going to be your best bet to address pneumonia.
Baytril is commonly used o treat pneumonia.Ceftazidime 100mg/ml is also used. A combination of heat, hydration and antibiotics/antifungals is going to be your best bet to address pneumonia.
Swollen / Closed Eyes
This is caused mainly by 2 things.
Low Humidity: Baby red foots are susceptible to dehydration. If they are kept in dry environments, expect problems quickly. This will be noticeable by swollen and shut eyes. Raise the humidity right away in this case. Remember they are not desert or field tortoises. If humidity is low, their skin appears dry as well. Many new owners will provide a dry environment for their tortoises resulting in the dry conditions causing irritation to the red foot's eyes.
Vitamin A deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency is seen with diets low in b-carotene and why iceberg lettuce and cucumbers are to be avoided.Vitamin A is important for skin, respiratory tract and eyes.Clinically, deficiencies may be manifested as upper respiratory tract disease, beak deformities, ear abscesses and infections, conjunctivitis, lower respiratory tract disease, skin abnormalities, and vision problems. In tortoises vitamin A deficiency can be easily avoided by feeding a varied diet which includes dark, leafy vegetables.
If you feel that these are not the case in your situation please consult your vet immediately. It may be due to a bigger issue such as an internal infection.
This is caused mainly by 2 things.
Low Humidity: Baby red foots are susceptible to dehydration. If they are kept in dry environments, expect problems quickly. This will be noticeable by swollen and shut eyes. Raise the humidity right away in this case. Remember they are not desert or field tortoises. If humidity is low, their skin appears dry as well. Many new owners will provide a dry environment for their tortoises resulting in the dry conditions causing irritation to the red foot's eyes.
Vitamin A deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency is seen with diets low in b-carotene and why iceberg lettuce and cucumbers are to be avoided.Vitamin A is important for skin, respiratory tract and eyes.Clinically, deficiencies may be manifested as upper respiratory tract disease, beak deformities, ear abscesses and infections, conjunctivitis, lower respiratory tract disease, skin abnormalities, and vision problems. In tortoises vitamin A deficiency can be easily avoided by feeding a varied diet which includes dark, leafy vegetables.
If you feel that these are not the case in your situation please consult your vet immediately. It may be due to a bigger issue such as an internal infection.
Ticks
Ticks are generally more of a problem with wild caught or imported tortoises. They will typically burrow into the upper legs, neck, and tail. You'll want to carefully remove the ticks with tweezers, making sure to remove the mouthparts. Use a small dropper of rubbing alcohol or fingernail polish remover on the tick, and then use a topical antibiotic ointment on the bite. Ticks can lead to dehydration.
Ticks are generally more of a problem with wild caught or imported tortoises. They will typically burrow into the upper legs, neck, and tail. You'll want to carefully remove the ticks with tweezers, making sure to remove the mouthparts. Use a small dropper of rubbing alcohol or fingernail polish remover on the tick, and then use a topical antibiotic ointment on the bite. Ticks can lead to dehydration.
Toenails
Toenails are typically short and stubby in the back and longer in the front. Generally, they're going to be kept pretty short and at normal lengths, but when kept on smooth surfaces, they can grow to abnormal lengths. Keeping tortoises on dirt substrates, this usually wears down the nails. You can trim the nails like you would a dog, but be careful of cutting the quick.
Toenails are typically short and stubby in the back and longer in the front. Generally, they're going to be kept pretty short and at normal lengths, but when kept on smooth surfaces, they can grow to abnormal lengths. Keeping tortoises on dirt substrates, this usually wears down the nails. You can trim the nails like you would a dog, but be careful of cutting the quick.
Penal Prolapse
Penal prolapse can be common among male tortoises, and you will need to soak the tortoise to moisten the penis and wash away dirt from the tissues. Saline solution or warm sugar water is suggested to use to help shrink the tissues. Do not push the tissues back, but consult a vet as soon as you can, especially if the tissues do not shrink.
Penal prolapse can be common among male tortoises, and you will need to soak the tortoise to moisten the penis and wash away dirt from the tissues. Saline solution or warm sugar water is suggested to use to help shrink the tissues. Do not push the tissues back, but consult a vet as soon as you can, especially if the tissues do not shrink.
Respiratory Infection
Respiratory issues are generally caused by bacteria, lower temperatures, and stress (causing lowered immune system). You will notice a wheezing sound and sometimes a mucous discharge from the nose and/or mouth. If you wait till the tortoise is breathing out of its mouth, you're not in for good results. You need to seek veterinary assistance immediately. Depending on how far along the illness is, a nebulizer may be required to help the tortoise breath and get oxygen to its lungs. The tortoise will also need an antibiotic, which may be given through the nose or injections. If the tortoise has a respiratory illness, you'll want to bump the temperatures up in the enclosure to help boost the immune system. You'll also want to make sure that you keep it hydrated. If caught early, the tortoise should have a full recovery. Keep in mind that respiratory infections are contagious; so separate any infected Red Foot Tortoises.
Respiratory issues are generally caused by bacteria, lower temperatures, and stress (causing lowered immune system). You will notice a wheezing sound and sometimes a mucous discharge from the nose and/or mouth. If you wait till the tortoise is breathing out of its mouth, you're not in for good results. You need to seek veterinary assistance immediately. Depending on how far along the illness is, a nebulizer may be required to help the tortoise breath and get oxygen to its lungs. The tortoise will also need an antibiotic, which may be given through the nose or injections. If the tortoise has a respiratory illness, you'll want to bump the temperatures up in the enclosure to help boost the immune system. You'll also want to make sure that you keep it hydrated. If caught early, the tortoise should have a full recovery. Keep in mind that respiratory infections are contagious; so separate any infected Red Foot Tortoises.
Shell Rot
Shell rot is an infectious disease that is generally caused by bacteria or fungus. In most cases, the bacteria or fungus will enter the body through a cut, scrape, or lesion on the shell. If not caught and treated early, shell rot can lead to septicemia (which is an infection of the bloodstream). You may notice shell rot in your tortoise if it has a white powdery, pitted, or flaking patches on the shell; if left untreated, the infection may eat away the shell. To treat shell rot, the vet will clean the shell with mild soap and a soft brush and then disenfected. After treatment, you'll need to keep the enclosure a little dryer than usual. An antibiotic may be prescribed to preven septicemia
Symptoms: Greyish, White, Smelly
I have read about tortoise experts using gentian violet which can be found in your local pharmacy. Coating the affected area and keeping the tortoise out of water seemed to fix the issue.
Keeping your red foot tortoise on heavily moist or wet substrate will lead to shell rot. These are land tortoise requiring humidity, not wet conditions. Instead, focus on correcting the humidity, not adding wetness to the enclosure.
Shell rot is an infectious disease that is generally caused by bacteria or fungus. In most cases, the bacteria or fungus will enter the body through a cut, scrape, or lesion on the shell. If not caught and treated early, shell rot can lead to septicemia (which is an infection of the bloodstream). You may notice shell rot in your tortoise if it has a white powdery, pitted, or flaking patches on the shell; if left untreated, the infection may eat away the shell. To treat shell rot, the vet will clean the shell with mild soap and a soft brush and then disenfected. After treatment, you'll need to keep the enclosure a little dryer than usual. An antibiotic may be prescribed to preven septicemia
Symptoms: Greyish, White, Smelly
I have read about tortoise experts using gentian violet which can be found in your local pharmacy. Coating the affected area and keeping the tortoise out of water seemed to fix the issue.
Keeping your red foot tortoise on heavily moist or wet substrate will lead to shell rot. These are land tortoise requiring humidity, not wet conditions. Instead, focus on correcting the humidity, not adding wetness to the enclosure.
Soft Shell
If your tortoise has a soft shell, steps must be maintained to correct the issue right away, or it can lead to death. Soft shell is commonly as a result of lack of calcium. Provide a calcium bone, or sprinkle your tortoises food with calcium.
If your tortoise has a soft shell, steps must be maintained to correct the issue right away, or it can lead to death. Soft shell is commonly as a result of lack of calcium. Provide a calcium bone, or sprinkle your tortoises food with calcium.
Wheeze and Click
If your tortoise sounds like he is wheezing and then clicks, it usually means the air in the enclosure is too dry. Tortoise will feel light, skin will look dry, and eyes may appear sunken. Increase humidity.
If your tortoise sounds like he is wheezing and then clicks, it usually means the air in the enclosure is too dry. Tortoise will feel light, skin will look dry, and eyes may appear sunken. Increase humidity.
SYMPTOMS QUICK GUIDE
Shell (overall)
- Cannot fully retract into shell: Obesity
- Mites or ticks: Parasites
- Red tinge or streaks: Septocemia. See a vet ASAP!
- Scutes falling off or loosening: Shell rot
- Shell injuries- cracks, punctures, etc.: Minor injuries can be handled at home, but larger injuries should be seen by a vet ASAP!
- Shell is soft, overly flexible: Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). Very soft shells may need a vet's help.
Carapace
- Pale growth lines: New growth lines are sometimes pale for a couple days. Also, some Red-foots develop 'mottling' or pale growth as they grow. See the 'Cherry-heads' page for examples.
- Scutes forming into hills or pyramids: Pyramiding
- Thick growth lines: May be an early sign of pyramiding or other MBD.
- Thin, translucent, often sharp edges on the marginals: Often indicates too much calcium or vitamin D. Check diet and carefully file sharp edges if needed.
- Wide growth lines: Diet may be too 'rich' and encouraging too rapid growth.
Plastron
- Hatchling's plastron is 'springy': This is normal and should harden over time. If it does not, look into Metabolic Bone Disease.
- Pitting or liquids under the scute: Shell rot
- Soft scutes, wearing or rubbing off, erosion: Shell rot
Mouth
- Bleeding from mouth: Septicemia- see a vet ASAP.
- Cannot open or close, does not close right, or injured: See a vet.
- Clicking noise when opening or closing mouth: Possible injury, although some Red-foots 'click' sometimes normally.
- Coughing, gasping, wheezing: RI, partial choking
- Clear, foamy vomit: Often seen after antibiotics are used. May be a form of RI
- Drooling, discharge: Heat stroke
- Hard lumps: Abscess
- Open mouth breathing: RI
- Overgrown beak: Often diet (not enough fiber, wrong balance of vit. D and calcium) or general cares. Needs to be worn down or trimmed.
- Pale tissues: Low blood count usually due to an infection or disease, or severe stress. See a vet.
- Struggling for breath: May be choking! Look for and try to remove obstructions- see a vet ASAP!
- Thick mucus: Dehydration
- Vomiting: Internal parasites, septicemia, digestion problems. See a vet.
- White or ‘cheese-like’ matter: Stomatitis, Herpesvirus
- Yawning: Normal behavior, and kind of cute! If it happens all the time, check air quality or see a vet.
Nose/nares
- Cracking around nares: Respiratory Infection (RI)
- Eroding or 'eaten away' around nares: RI, Herpesvirus
- Fluid, mucus, or bubbling: RI, Herpesvirus
- Wet wheezing: RI
- Whistling, noisy breathing: RI, partial obstruction. Mild noises may go away after a soak or washing. Some tortoises whistle normally and most whistle when they withdraw their heads quickly.
Eyes
- Does not open eyes, but not swollen: UVB overexposure, injury.
- Eyes appear sunken: Dehydration
- Fluid discharge, tears: Herpesvirus, RI, dehydration
- Red, inflamed: RI, UVB overexposure
- Swollen, puffy: infection, vitamin A deficient, injury, RI, UVB overexposure
- Swollen eyelids: Bacterial infection. See a vet.
Ears/Tympanae
- Swelling behind the eyes: Abscess, injury
Head and neck
(See also 'Soft Tissues' section)
- Colors are fading: Common as animal ages. If happening rapidly, see a vet.
- Dry, flaky skin: Dehydration, stress. May be an early sign of other problems, like Improper Diet Cascade (IDC) as well.
- Hard lump(s): Abscess
- Loose scales or skin: Stress, IDC, dehydration
- Mites, ticks: Parasites
- Thick 'cap' of scales: Dysecdysis
- Throat is pumping/puffing up: This is how a tortoise moves air past it scent organs to smell things.
Limbs
- Difficulty using one limb: Fracture or injury
- General weakness or paralysis: MBD, egg retention, peritonitis, spinal/shell injury, gout, arthritis, septicemia, heat stroke, Herpesvirus, RI See a vet.
- Hind limb paralysis or weakness: Kidney problems, nerve problems, MBD, lack of good protein
- Muscle loss: Herpesvirus
- Poor retraction: Pneumonia, Herpesvirus, obesity
- Swollen joints: Arthritis, gout.
- Swollen lumps: Abscess
Soft tissues (See also 'Head/Neck' in 'Eyes, Ears, Head' section)
- Dry skin: Dehydration, dysecdysis.
- Red tinge, streaks, or bleeding: Septicemia
- Skin raw, peeling, like sunburn: Vitamin A overdose, stress, infection
- Swollen, puffy: Obesity, renal failure, pulmonary disease
- Ticks or mites: Tick or mite infestation
Tail, cloaca, feces
- Blood in stool: Protozoan infestation, parasites
- Blood in urine: Protozoan infestation, renal or liver dysfunctions
- Concentrated urine, smell of ammonia: Protozoan infestation
- Constipation: Dietary issues, dehydration
- Diarrhea, loose or watery: Low fiber or other dietary issue, side-effect of antibiotics, protozoa infestation
- Dry stools: Dehydration
- Fleshy protrusion from cloaca: Prolapse. Penile prolapses will self-correct. Organ prolapses need a vet's care.
- Inability to urinate: Dehydration, renal dysfunction- see a vet.
- Passing undigested food: Protozoan infestation
- Smelly stools: Dietary issue (fish, etc. in diet), parasites
- Tail wagging: Usually indicates preparing for bowel movement
- Worms in stool: Internal parasites
Behaviors
- Head low, tail end high, and/or tail wagging: Preparing for bowel movement.
- Head out and up, hind limbs straight out, under a heat or light source: The 'sun worship' pose- normal for basking. If basking more than usual, check temps.
- Not eating: May be many things- double check basic cares, especially temps.Common in stress, infections, when taking antibiotics, seasonal slow downs, etc. May also just indicate that it is still full from a recent meal.
- Panting, drooling, listless, limp: Heat stroke
- Spasms, seizures, paralysis, foaming at the mouth, etc.: Poisoning- see a vet ASAP.
- Tail wagging: Usually indicates preparing for bowel movement
- Throat is pumping/puffing up: This is how a tortoise moves air past it scent organs to smell things.
Other
- Dog attack: Unless injuries are very minor, take to a vet.
- Lethargy: Seasonal slowing, egg binding, diabetes, diet or care issues, boredom, stress
- Slow growing and/or soft-shelled hatchlings: Diet, cares, parasites, genetic defect, illness
- Spasms, seizures, paralysis, foaming at the mouth, etc.: Poisoning- see a vet ASAP.
- Weight increase, swelling: Renal dysfunction
- Weight loss: Dehydration, stress, poor cares or diet, disease or infection, protozoa infestation, parasites
- Cannot fully retract into shell: Obesity
- Mites or ticks: Parasites
- Red tinge or streaks: Septocemia. See a vet ASAP!
- Scutes falling off or loosening: Shell rot
- Shell injuries- cracks, punctures, etc.: Minor injuries can be handled at home, but larger injuries should be seen by a vet ASAP!
- Shell is soft, overly flexible: Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). Very soft shells may need a vet's help.
Carapace
- Pale growth lines: New growth lines are sometimes pale for a couple days. Also, some Red-foots develop 'mottling' or pale growth as they grow. See the 'Cherry-heads' page for examples.
- Scutes forming into hills or pyramids: Pyramiding
- Thick growth lines: May be an early sign of pyramiding or other MBD.
- Thin, translucent, often sharp edges on the marginals: Often indicates too much calcium or vitamin D. Check diet and carefully file sharp edges if needed.
- Wide growth lines: Diet may be too 'rich' and encouraging too rapid growth.
Plastron
- Hatchling's plastron is 'springy': This is normal and should harden over time. If it does not, look into Metabolic Bone Disease.
- Pitting or liquids under the scute: Shell rot
- Soft scutes, wearing or rubbing off, erosion: Shell rot
Mouth
- Bleeding from mouth: Septicemia- see a vet ASAP.
- Cannot open or close, does not close right, or injured: See a vet.
- Clicking noise when opening or closing mouth: Possible injury, although some Red-foots 'click' sometimes normally.
- Coughing, gasping, wheezing: RI, partial choking
- Clear, foamy vomit: Often seen after antibiotics are used. May be a form of RI
- Drooling, discharge: Heat stroke
- Hard lumps: Abscess
- Open mouth breathing: RI
- Overgrown beak: Often diet (not enough fiber, wrong balance of vit. D and calcium) or general cares. Needs to be worn down or trimmed.
- Pale tissues: Low blood count usually due to an infection or disease, or severe stress. See a vet.
- Struggling for breath: May be choking! Look for and try to remove obstructions- see a vet ASAP!
- Thick mucus: Dehydration
- Vomiting: Internal parasites, septicemia, digestion problems. See a vet.
- White or ‘cheese-like’ matter: Stomatitis, Herpesvirus
- Yawning: Normal behavior, and kind of cute! If it happens all the time, check air quality or see a vet.
Nose/nares
- Cracking around nares: Respiratory Infection (RI)
- Eroding or 'eaten away' around nares: RI, Herpesvirus
- Fluid, mucus, or bubbling: RI, Herpesvirus
- Wet wheezing: RI
- Whistling, noisy breathing: RI, partial obstruction. Mild noises may go away after a soak or washing. Some tortoises whistle normally and most whistle when they withdraw their heads quickly.
Eyes
- Does not open eyes, but not swollen: UVB overexposure, injury.
- Eyes appear sunken: Dehydration
- Fluid discharge, tears: Herpesvirus, RI, dehydration
- Red, inflamed: RI, UVB overexposure
- Swollen, puffy: infection, vitamin A deficient, injury, RI, UVB overexposure
- Swollen eyelids: Bacterial infection. See a vet.
Ears/Tympanae
- Swelling behind the eyes: Abscess, injury
Head and neck
(See also 'Soft Tissues' section)
- Colors are fading: Common as animal ages. If happening rapidly, see a vet.
- Dry, flaky skin: Dehydration, stress. May be an early sign of other problems, like Improper Diet Cascade (IDC) as well.
- Hard lump(s): Abscess
- Loose scales or skin: Stress, IDC, dehydration
- Mites, ticks: Parasites
- Thick 'cap' of scales: Dysecdysis
- Throat is pumping/puffing up: This is how a tortoise moves air past it scent organs to smell things.
Limbs
- Difficulty using one limb: Fracture or injury
- General weakness or paralysis: MBD, egg retention, peritonitis, spinal/shell injury, gout, arthritis, septicemia, heat stroke, Herpesvirus, RI See a vet.
- Hind limb paralysis or weakness: Kidney problems, nerve problems, MBD, lack of good protein
- Muscle loss: Herpesvirus
- Poor retraction: Pneumonia, Herpesvirus, obesity
- Swollen joints: Arthritis, gout.
- Swollen lumps: Abscess
Soft tissues (See also 'Head/Neck' in 'Eyes, Ears, Head' section)
- Dry skin: Dehydration, dysecdysis.
- Red tinge, streaks, or bleeding: Septicemia
- Skin raw, peeling, like sunburn: Vitamin A overdose, stress, infection
- Swollen, puffy: Obesity, renal failure, pulmonary disease
- Ticks or mites: Tick or mite infestation
Tail, cloaca, feces
- Blood in stool: Protozoan infestation, parasites
- Blood in urine: Protozoan infestation, renal or liver dysfunctions
- Concentrated urine, smell of ammonia: Protozoan infestation
- Constipation: Dietary issues, dehydration
- Diarrhea, loose or watery: Low fiber or other dietary issue, side-effect of antibiotics, protozoa infestation
- Dry stools: Dehydration
- Fleshy protrusion from cloaca: Prolapse. Penile prolapses will self-correct. Organ prolapses need a vet's care.
- Inability to urinate: Dehydration, renal dysfunction- see a vet.
- Passing undigested food: Protozoan infestation
- Smelly stools: Dietary issue (fish, etc. in diet), parasites
- Tail wagging: Usually indicates preparing for bowel movement
- Worms in stool: Internal parasites
Behaviors
- Head low, tail end high, and/or tail wagging: Preparing for bowel movement.
- Head out and up, hind limbs straight out, under a heat or light source: The 'sun worship' pose- normal for basking. If basking more than usual, check temps.
- Not eating: May be many things- double check basic cares, especially temps.Common in stress, infections, when taking antibiotics, seasonal slow downs, etc. May also just indicate that it is still full from a recent meal.
- Panting, drooling, listless, limp: Heat stroke
- Spasms, seizures, paralysis, foaming at the mouth, etc.: Poisoning- see a vet ASAP.
- Tail wagging: Usually indicates preparing for bowel movement
- Throat is pumping/puffing up: This is how a tortoise moves air past it scent organs to smell things.
Other
- Dog attack: Unless injuries are very minor, take to a vet.
- Lethargy: Seasonal slowing, egg binding, diabetes, diet or care issues, boredom, stress
- Slow growing and/or soft-shelled hatchlings: Diet, cares, parasites, genetic defect, illness
- Spasms, seizures, paralysis, foaming at the mouth, etc.: Poisoning- see a vet ASAP.
- Weight increase, swelling: Renal dysfunction
- Weight loss: Dehydration, stress, poor cares or diet, disease or infection, protozoa infestation, parasites