Wee smells of ammonia

Ludrup · 20-03-2016, 03:31 PM

Hi
I have read some similar posts around this subject before but wanted to check this out with you all.
I have two 6 yr old Hermann's in a large indoor home-made enclosure. Today, I noticed that there is a strong smell of ammonia coming from their wee. I don't know if this is just one tortoise or if it is both of them.
Is this something to worry about? I have read that it could be an infection or simply due to dehydration. Could somebody help please?
L

CherryBrandy · 20-03-2016, 06:08 PM

difficult one this Ludrup. Their wee is madr up of ammonia and therefore it can erode shells etc if sat in it so not surprisingly it can smell at times. What is your substrate? If you have a soak it up substrate then I would be a little bit watchful as this can indicate an infection or kidneys not quite working. If its just paper then I would suggest ok as their wee can smell at bit. if at all worried then a well qualified vet can put your mind at rest. A good bath may help of course. CB

Ludrup · 20-03-2016, 06:42 PM

Their substrate is topsoil, so it sinks in a little but not that much. I did bathe them both today. Will keep a careful watch on them both over next few days just to make sure

Jan W · 20-03-2016, 06:47 PM

Ammonia smell could be due to concentrated urine, one cause is dehydration - so bath would be good. Always seems a good thing to do!
Also if they have a good bath you may be able to see which one it is and what the urine looks like. Vet may want a sample......

Can be because of high protein diet.

Could be infection.

Could be substrate due for a change.

As CB says - may need to check with the vet.

CherryBrandy · 21-03-2016, 08:36 PM

Years ago on bathing one of mine he really did smell of urine and unfortunately it was his kidneys failing. Im not scaremongering but just be cautious - if eating and weight ok I wouldn't be too worried as it may be he just had a bit of a wee that has 'hung' around him, CB

Stellanne · 22-03-2016, 08:24 AM

I would try and get a sample of urine and take it to the vets. Like CB I have witnessed this with a not good outcome. X x x. Hugs x x x

20-03-2016, 03:31 PM	#1
Ludrup Member Egg Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posts: 95	Wee smells of ammonia Hi I have read some similar posts around this subject before but wanted to check this out with you all. I have two 6 yr old Hermann's in a large indoor home-made enclosure. Today, I noticed that there is a strong smell of ammonia coming from their wee. I don't know if this is just one tortoise or if it is both of them. Is this something to worry about? I have read that it could be an infection or simply due to dehydration. Could somebody help please? L

20-03-2016, 06:08 PM	#2
CherryBrandy Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: SE England Posts: 4,262	difficult one this Ludrup. Their wee is madr up of ammonia and therefore it can erode shells etc if sat in it so not surprisingly it can smell at times. What is your substrate? If you have a soak it up substrate then I would be a little bit watchful as this can indicate an infection or kidneys not quite working. If its just paper then I would suggest ok as their wee can smell at bit. if at all worried then a well qualified vet can put your mind at rest. A good bath may help of course. CB __________________ Horsfields, Spur Thighed, & Marginata

20-03-2016, 06:47 PM	#4
Jan W Senior Member Sub Adult Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Hampshire Posts: 1,400	Ammonia smell could be due to concentrated urine, one cause is dehydration - so bath would be good. Always seems a good thing to do! Also if they have a good bath you may be able to see which one it is and what the urine looks like. Vet may want a sample...... Can be because of high protein diet. Could be infection. Could be substrate due for a change. As CB says - may need to check with the vet. __________________ Jan Horsfields - Bertie & Beatrice

21-03-2016, 08:36 PM	#5
CherryBrandy Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: SE England Posts: 4,262	Years ago on bathing one of mine he really did smell of urine and unfortunately it was his kidneys failing. Im not scaremongering but just be cautious - if eating and weight ok I wouldn't be too worried as it may be he just had a bit of a wee that has 'hung' around him, CB __________________ Horsfields, Spur Thighed, & Marginata

20-03-2016, 06:42 PM	#3
Ludrup Member Egg Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Reading, Berkshire, UK Posts: 95	Their substrate is topsoil, so it sinks in a little but not that much. I did bathe them both today. Will keep a careful watch on them both over next few days just to make sure

22-03-2016, 08:24 AM	#6
Stellanne Member Hatchling Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 686	I would try and get a sample of urine and take it to the vets. Like CB I have witnessed this with a not good outcome. X x x. Hugs x x x

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