2007-05-13 12:36:24 · 9 answers · asked by April 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Tortoises can survive a lot of trauma to the shell. In fact, even their lungs are designed so punctures do not cause big problems!
If the cracks and parts of the shell are not moving, you can probably treat this at home- although a visit to the vet would be a REALLY GOOD idea!
Treatment:
1. Make sure the habitat is in good shape- double check the temps, humidity, etc. and make sure things are on target. Try http://www.tortoisetrust.org for help here.
2. Boost temps about 5 degrees
3. Gently but thoroughly clean the shell
4. Apply Betadine Solution to the wounds and punctures
5. If any puncture seems to be leaking air, see a vet!
6. Keep the shell clean
7. Minimize stress, handling, etc.
8. Good fresh air and sunshine helps too!
2007-05-13 15:39:39 · answer #1 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Until you can get him to a vet, This link will give you some things you can do for him at home (go down to "cracked shell"): http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/medshell.htm
At the very least, you should clean and disinfect the damaged areas and keep him in clean water. The link above also has a list of vets who treat turtles in the main menu - you can see if there's one nearby.
2007-05-13 20:43:27 · answer #2 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Their shells are VERY sensitive. He is in agony. GET HIM TO THE EMERGENCY VET NOW!! Do NOT wait for your regular vet to open. In addition, you may not know what internal injuries he may have.
Would you wait if your dog had been hit by a car and was writhing in pain? No, of course not.
Now get off the damn computer and GO!
2007-05-13 20:24:09 · answer #3 · answered by D 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'M NOT TRYING O BE MEAN BUT....WHY ARE PEOPLE SO STUPID????stop asking freaking strangers what to do and take the poor thing to the V-E-T NOW!!!! poor thing is suffering!!!!
*if you got attacked by a dog would YOU be sitting on the dang computer asking ppl what to do??
2007-05-13 20:55:22 · answer #4 · answered by d!☮ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
take him to a vet... or call the vet and see what they think you should do. the shell on a tortoise is his only real means of defense so it needs to be taken care of...
2007-05-13 19:44:14 · answer #5 · answered by Dawn 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
take it to the vet would probaly be the best choice
2007-05-13 19:39:42 · answer #6 · answered by Not You 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
TAKE HIM TO THE VET ASAP!
2007-05-13 23:34:12 · answer #7 · answered by maryberry 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bondo it. or automotive body filler. this isnt a joke
2007-05-13 21:16:30 · answer #8 · answered by me 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
TAKE HIM TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY!!! A.S.A.P.!!!!!
2007-05-13 19:40:49 · answer #9 · answered by Nurse Lola 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋