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I have been handed a 60yr old female hermans who on first sight looked perfect. Two days later I realise she has problems! Probably relating to the fact she has been a 'house tortoise' for 10yrs possibly more. With no artifitial heating or lighting either. She cannot walk, only drag herself about. Is this a bone/calcium issue or maybe retained eggs?? My first course of action will probably be an xray! Any advise most welcome. Donna

Hi Donna,

I think this could be one of many things, do you know any more about her history? Do you have a specialist tortoise vet nearby? I would get her to a tortoise vet asap and make sure that you have strict quarantine between her and your whitei / other torts.

Pam.

As said above, a lot of possibilities here. Generally, you will not find bone/calcium issues being the prime suspect in the case of elderly animals (with the exception of egg development). There can be other nutritional causes, and there can be muscle wastage, etc. Also arthritic degeneration is one thing to look at. Basically, what is needed is a thorough veterinary exam looking at all possibilities, followed by appropriate treatment and a change to healthy lifestyle.

Thank you for your replys. I have just read your article re hypovitaminosis D3. Which is one of those many possibilities, is it not? Remarkably Freya has begun, on day 6 of being with me to use her back legs! Still dragging her abdomin but not her legs. I had her under 24hr UV Day 3 and 4. Outside when sun was out and have been giving her critical care, neutrobal and hand feeding sow thistles. Plus daily soaks of course. But she is definately more mobile than when she arrived which amazes me. X-ray booked for Wednesday, but my Tort vet is opening a new practice in 6wks, so i shall keep doing as i am till then. Donna

I would not expect to see that in a tortoise of that age and history. It is good you are getting some progress, however!