Tortoise Health
How to spot a sick tortoise?
Occasionally your tortoise may appear unwell. If you are used to examining your tortoise for injury or ill health this will be easier to spot. Monitoring how much and often your pet is eating, moving etc will help you to understand how healthy your tortoise is.
If your tortoise is dehydrated it will have wrinkled skin inside the shell at each leg, its eyes may also be sunken. If you are in doubt you will have to consult your vet for advice. Occasionally misting a tortoise with lukewarm water will have beneficial results.
At times your tortoise may have other illnesses such as salmonella; this will need to be monitored by your vet. It is not always fatal to humans who are healthy but can cause severe illness. If your tortoise is a carrier it may have to be treated or euthanized by the vet.
How to prevent illness?
Always keep your tortoises enclosure clean. Clear all faeces daily and replace the substrate (floor covering) as often as possible. Replace water regularly and remove uneaten or contaminated food.
There are many and varied illnesses and parasites your tortoise may succumb to. If you want to find out the most common problems with your tortoise’s health read up in more detail. As knowledge will be your greatest ally. If you want to know more read our new Book.
