Advice on a Horsfields swollen rear leg?

BlameSimon · 16-05-2011, 10:02 PM

Hi all!
First of all, Thankyou! Since adopting Bowser the tortoise three months ago this site has been amazing. I believe I have my set-up correct, and he has seemed happy. (Even if my first attempt at growing Pansies failed haha....

)
Anyway, my problem is... About three weeks ago I noticed Bowsers rear left leg was slightly larger than his right. He was however moving fine, eating, passing as normal. The vet said keep an eye on it, could be an old injury. (If this vet is trustworthy is up for debate... but okay, he seemed in good health.)
Saturday however I noticed he seems to be dragging this leg more, not too keen on putting weight on it, and not fully raising his shell from the ground when walking - which he hadn't done before.

I would just like to know your thoughts, or whether any of you have experience as to if this could be infection or a fracture? So that I know what to say to a potential vet/what to expect to hear. I know an x-ray is probably on the cards!
I have doubts about returning to the same vet as they said he was a Hermanns (he's a definite Horsfield to me and previous owner) and also didn't notice the leg until I pointed it out despite it being large in comparison.

Have attempted to attach a picture... if it doesn't work from flickr I'll try again with photobucket - will have to make an account ha.
Thankyou in advance!
Simon.

**egyptiandan64** · 16-05-2011, 10:57 PM

No the picture didn't work

It's not likely to be fractured if he was walking on it before, but isn't now. It sounds like it is an infection and that it's getting worse. I would definately get to a good reptile vet to have the leg looked at and maybe have them do a biopsy to check whats going on. They should though put him on antibiotics right away and change them depending on what the tests show.

Danny

BlameSimon · 17-05-2011, 01:06 AM

Ok try this...
Thanks Danny. I'll on the phone in the morning I think! Closest one to me on the 'good vet' thread appears to be havant. Anything specific I should ask?

**egyptiandan64** · 17-05-2011, 01:59 PM

That is swollen

. A blood draw and trying to get some tissue or fluid from the swollen area would be in order.

Danny

Evie · 17-05-2011, 07:10 PM

If the vet you are talking about in Havant is Downland they are very good - either David or Ben.

I go to their surgery in Emsworth - they are excellent with reptiles.

**Bindi** · 17-05-2011, 07:14 PM

I agree with Evie, Ben or David will know what to do

ibizathetort · 17-05-2011, 07:33 PM

Aw bless him that looks sore, hope you get him sorted soon

BlameSimon · 17-05-2011, 07:37 PM

Thankyou for your responses :]
Unfortunately David is away for two weeks, I am instead booked in with John Chitty (Hythe) who also seems to have some good feedback here. (?)

May post some pictures in ID to see the general consensus on Hermanns/Horsfield debate.
Quick update, Bowser seems to be more comfortable using his leg today, but no change in the swelling. Will keep an open mind anyway, & hopefully John can get him fixed up!

**Alan1** · 17-05-2011, 08:38 PM

once you reach 5 posts they automatically appear after that without having to wait.

sounds like your first vet was a bit hopeless

**Bindi** · 17-05-2011, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlameSimon

Thankyou for your responses :]
Unfortunately David is away for two weeks, I am instead booked in with John Chitty (Hythe) who also seems to have some good feedback here. (?)

May post some pictures in ID to see the general consensus on Hermanns/Horsfield debate.
Quick update, Bowser seems to be more comfortable using his leg today, but no change in the swelling. Will keep an open mind anyway, & hopefully John can get him fixed up!

Hi Simon

Evie has used John Chitty before, I believe she said he was very good

16-05-2011, 10:02 PM	#1
BlameSimon Junior Member Egg Join Date: May 2011 Location: Southampton Posts: 17	Advice on a Horsfields swollen rear leg? Hi all! First of all, Thankyou! Since adopting Bowser the tortoise three months ago this site has been amazing. I believe I have my set-up correct, and he has seemed happy. (Even if my first attempt at growing Pansies failed haha....) Anyway, my problem is... About three weeks ago I noticed Bowsers rear left leg was slightly larger than his right. He was however moving fine, eating, passing as normal. The vet said keep an eye on it, could be an old injury. (If this vet is trustworthy is up for debate... but okay, he seemed in good health.) Saturday however I noticed he seems to be dragging this leg more, not too keen on putting weight on it, and not fully raising his shell from the ground when walking - which he hadn't done before. I would just like to know your thoughts, or whether any of you have experience as to if this could be infection or a fracture? So that I know what to say to a potential vet/what to expect to hear. I know an x-ray is probably on the cards! I have doubts about returning to the same vet as they said he was a Hermanns (he's a definite Horsfield to me and previous owner) and also didn't notice the leg until I pointed it out despite it being large in comparison. Have attempted to attach a picture... if it doesn't work from flickr I'll try again with photobucket - will have to make an account ha. Thankyou in advance! Simon.

16-05-2011, 10:57 PM	#2
egyptiandan64 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA Posts: 14,171	No the picture didn't work It's not likely to be fractured if he was walking on it before, but isn't now. It sounds like it is an infection and that it's getting worse. I would definately get to a good reptile vet to have the leg looked at and maybe have them do a biopsy to check whats going on. They should though put him on antibiotics right away and change them depending on what the tests show. Danny __________________

17-05-2011, 01:59 PM	#4
egyptiandan64 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: USA Posts: 14,171	That is swollen . A blood draw and trying to get some tissue or fluid from the swollen area would be in order. Danny __________________

17-05-2011, 07:10 PM	#5
Evie Senior Member Sub Adult Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Southampton Posts: 1,752	If the vet you are talking about in Havant is Downland they are very good - either David or Ben. I go to their surgery in Emsworth - they are excellent with reptiles. Last edited by Evie; 17-05-2011 at 07:18 PM.

17-05-2011, 07:14 PM	#6
Bindi Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,157	I agree with Evie, Ben or David will know what to do __________________

17-05-2011, 01:06 AM	#3
BlameSimon Junior Member Egg Join Date: May 2011 Location: Southampton Posts: 17	Ok try this... Thanks Danny. I'll on the phone in the morning I think! Closest one to me on the 'good vet' thread appears to be havant. Anything specific I should ask?

17-05-2011, 07:33 PM	#7
ibizathetort Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Cheshire UK Posts: 2,453	Aw bless him that looks sore, hope you get him sorted soon __________________ C r i s t i a n o - Ibizathetort 20 year old 1000g Female Horsfield - Eivissa 3 year old 220g Female Horsfield - Ibiza Hatchling Horsfield - Bora Hatchling Horsfield - Bossa Hatchling Horsfield - Jet

17-05-2011, 07:37 PM	#8
BlameSimon Junior Member Egg Join Date: May 2011 Location: Southampton Posts: 17	Thankyou for your responses :] Unfortunately David is away for two weeks, I am instead booked in with John Chitty (Hythe) who also seems to have some good feedback here. (?) May post some pictures in ID to see the general consensus on Hermanns/Horsfield debate. Quick update, Bowser seems to be more comfortable using his leg today, but no change in the swelling. Will keep an open mind anyway, & hopefully John can get him fixed up!

17-05-2011, 08:38 PM	#9
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	once you reach 5 posts they automatically appear after that without having to wait. sounds like your first vet was a bit hopeless

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