Graeca restless leg.

[CherryBrandy]

I have kept tortoises for over 35 years and never come across this. My graeca graeca came out of hibernation absolutely fine. In fact he still is, but for one small anomaly I haven't noticed ever in any other tortoise.
He is eating, sleeping snoozing, pooping, drinking, etc all ok but he seems to have restless leg syndrome. Before he walks his back legs seem to have restless leg qualities of humans. they 'shake' 'jitter',for quite a while before he decides to set off. It is as if he is thinking about where to place them before moving and then drags himself (often in a circle) off. And i do mean drag rather than walk properly, up off the ground for a little bit. I have been doing physio on his legs and he seems to have the same strength. Apart from that he is absolutely the same as usual. Bright beautiful sparkly eyes.

If I didn't know any better I would say it looked like he has had a stroke! .

[becciwales]

Oh no!! Hope he's ok!
I'm sure someone who knows will be along to help soon x

[sandy]

Originally Posted by CherryBrandy

I have kept tortoises for over 35 years and never come across this. My graeca graeca came out of hibernation absolutely fine. In fact he still is, but for one small anomaly I haven't noticed ever in any other tortoise.
He is eating, sleeping snoozing, pooping, drinking, etc all ok but he seems to have restless leg syndrome. Before he walks his back legs seem to have restless leg qualities of humans. they 'shake' 'jitter',for quite a while before he decides to set off. It is as if he is thinking about where to place them before moving and then drags himself (often in a circle) off. And i do mean drag rather than walk properly, up off the ground for a little bit. I have been doing physio on his legs and he seems to have the same strength. Apart from that he is absolutely the same as usual. Bright beautiful sparkly eyes.

If I didn't know any better I would say it looked like he has had a stroke! .

I would get an appointment with a tortoise vet, as this is not normal behaviour, from what you have said. Far better to find out what they problem is.
As dragging legs is not a good sign:0(

[CherryBrandy]

yes will do, appreciate 'dragging legs' is not good, kidneys etc but it is not really 'dragging' in that sense. I can only describe it as restless legs syndrome like humans have or sort of shaking out his legs as he walks. back ones only. like i say he is bright eyed, spritely, eating, sleeping, basking etc, not a thing out of place, just really strange but then again my ibera 'wags' his behind like a dog when he sees me, kind of cute really - perhaps we are all a bit mad in the household.

[egyptiandan64]

As Sandy said it's not normal and time to get to the vets, especially for an x-ray as it may be a stone.

Danny

[wks9362]

Any news on your poorly tort? x Hope all is well .