CherryHeaded Redfoot Help

[imported_Lowe]

Martin, if you're based in the West Mids and don't mind a smallish journey, I have to recommend a vet in Stoke as listed in our Vets section. Hannah is absolutely superb with tortoises and I have every confidence in her being able to help you out.

http://forums.shelledwarriors.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=74

As Darren says, it sounds like he's possibly wild caught and has the Heximita problem. Remember though Heximita needs Metronidazole as Piglet says, normal worming drugs won't help. Get it properly diagnosed, then treated if need be since this really is a serious condition. It's took us nearly a year to get our male Redfoot back to normal!

[Martin]

Hello all
I have just got back from the vets, i am afraid it is not good news. Ian(the vet) said the same as darren about being wild caught if imported from Jamaica. He also confirmed that it was probably internal parasites causing the problem and has administered a wormer/antibiotic/appetite enducer to try to get him eating. Sadly Ian thinks it is to late to save him .
I will be up all night with him just in case he does eat. My wife is out getting bannanas(i know it is not good for him but anything to get him eating). I am open to any other ideas to try and save him.

martin

sad news

i wouldnt worry about bananas being not so good anything to tempt him

keep him hydrated with baths keep him warm

do you know what wormer the vet gave as darren and lowe said some parasites need different wormers

i am sure darren sahra or lowe will be along soon they have dealt with a similar problem with sucess

if not pm them they will help

linda

me again martin

did the vet check the other tort out

linda

[Martin]

Sorry Linda
I was trying to get two tortoises to eat, he did check both tortoises and they are both infected(no surprise there)but Merlin is much worse than Gryphon. They are both on Panacur and they have both had a new version of Mectronidazol which he had to inject into Merlin due to the severity of the infection. I have phoned the shop where i got them from mainly to warn them the other two cherryheads he had will also be infected. I only hope it does not fall on deaf ears! I am going to try and get Merlin to eat again but i will be back soon. Thanks for your help

martin

i really feel for you and the poor torts

shouldnt imagine the shop keeper will do much but you know you tried to help

i have heard about a product called critical care used for torts that are not eating but i do not know if it would help in your situation sahra or darren are much better to advise you

did the vet think things might improve

linda

ps do not worry about responding your torts must be your 1st priority

Martin

I hope that things work out ok!

It must be terrible - but hats off to you making sure that you are giving the little guys the best treatment you can!

Keep us all informed!

[piglet]

Hi Martin so sorry your little reds have this condition but as Linda has given excellent advise there isn't much else to say i really hope he pulls through you will be surprised at how hardy they are again though hydration is far more important than food at this moment good luck Martin i really hope they pull through.
Darren

[Martin]

Hello
got to be quick. the vet thinks Gryphon will make it but i am afraid he thinks Merlin will not I am hoping to prove him wrong about Merlin but i fear he is going to be right. Thanks for trying to chear me up and to everyone for your help and advice. I will leave my computer on, if i can i will pick up messages later

martin

please make sure you are giving your torts a soak in a warm bath for 20 mins every day he can soak up water via the rear end even if he doesnt actually have a proper drink


also it would be better for the torts to have a constant warmth both day and night


good luck our thoughts are with you

linda