10- Treating the tortoise Flashcards
What are the 3 stages of hibernation of a tortoise
pre-hibernation
hibernation
post-hibernation
How long should pre-hibernation of tortoises be
1-2 months
check up at vets around aug-sept
What age is too young to be hibernating a tortoise at
below 1 years (3 yrs is a good age)
What 3 things need to be done to prepare a tortoises for hibernation?
Starve for 3-4wks = don’t want food in GI when hibernation or it will go rancid
Bathe daily in warm water = Absorbed into the bladder for hydration
Reduce temperature gradually over 4wks to slow own metabolism
What should temperatures be for hibernation?
3-7 degrees
How long should hibernation occur for?
Up to 3 months - no longer or risk of dehydration & build-up of toxic products
If a tortoise defecates or urinates during hibernation what should you do?
Wake up immediately
list 3 things you need to monitor whilst a tortoise is hibernating
defecation
urination
weight
How do you wake up a tortoise from hibernation?
Wake up using a heat lamp & UV strip bulb
How quickly should a tortoise eat & urinate after hibernation?
Eat - within a week
Urinate - less than 5 days but ideally within 24h
Name 2 problems that can go wrong during hibernation
Dehydration > Hyperuricemia > Kidney disease
Post hibernation anorexia
Reduction of WBC
Why can leukopenia be a normal parameter in tortoises after hibernation?
Short lived WBC
When metabolism drops > WBC levels decline naturally
Thus it is important to have a good pre-hibernation exam (don’t want leukopenia prior to going in)
What does the herpes virus cause in tortoises?
Respiratory virus
Stomatitis
Can develop pneumonia and be fatal
No cure
The following signs are a sign of what disease in tortisoes?
Runny nose- blowing bubbles, Ocular discharge, depression, anorexia
Mycoplasma
