Numerous of individuals around the globe have tortoises, but not a lot of them take them to the veterinarian which is not a good thing for their health, as they require regular medical care. Poor nutrition, inadequate environment, and inadequate care are the most common causes of death in these animals.
Since they are not ‘common‘ pets, raising and caring for tortoises requires special commitment. Some people buy tortoises but have no idea on how to properly address their needs. If you want your tortoise to be healthy and happy, you need to follow certain guidelines. Since your pet’s health could be on the line at any time of the year, you need to ensure that your tortoise is in good health.
There are many guides, books, and even experts who you can turn to in order to receive aid when it comes to looking for signs that may indicate that your tortoise is ill. If your tortoise is ill, taking the time to take him/her to a veterinarian is the wisest decision you can make. If a problem is present, a veterinarian can properly diagnose it, provide the best treatment, and notify you on how you can prevent your tortoise from becoming ill in the future.
It is important that you search for the best qualified veterinarian in your area because as long as you have your pet, you are going to take him/her for checkups every now and then, so you need to find somebody who can provide you with the best service possible. Search online for a vet and read the reviews that he/she has attained from the general public. This can greatly help you choose the vet that goes hand-in-hand with your requirements.
Vaccines for tortoises are not yet widely available. Since 2012, some experimental vaccines to combat the herpes virus and other bacterial infections came to light, and some of them are being tested in zoos and laboratories, but tortoises do not need these shots to stay healthy. It has been noted that regular worming treatments can help your tortoise live a long and healthy life. tortoises are not normally vaccinated, but need preventive treatments.
Intestinal and blood parasites are the greatest threats to the health of a tortoise. They can invade their body and absorb all the nutrients, leaving your tortoise severely malnourished and weak. Some parasites weaken specific organs or spread bacteria to the animal which can cause infections. Most captive tortoises have some type of parasite, so it is important that one doesn’t take them indoors until a veterinarian examines them and administers a preventive deworming treatment if necessary. (This treatment must be repeated once a year.)
The tortoise should receive a fecal exam once a year as well. The vet might place a small stool sample under a microscope to detect parasites, infections, and symptoms of nutritional deficiencies. Many infections and parasites are highly treatable in the early stages and an annual stool sample can catch any disease before your tortoise even shows signs of infection.
Many people confuse vaccine with injections. Vaccines prevent specific diseases before they occur, usually by administering a small amount of the disease, which increases the body’s immunity. The injections are simply drugs administered via a needle, and some tortoises require injections. Metabolic bone disease is a common affliction among reptiles in captivity. In tortoises, it happens when they get inadequate sunlight or do not attain enough calcium in their food. This matter can lead to bone damage and weakness. Injections of calcium can help stop metabolic bone disease in those already sick tortoises. These injections are usually given at the vet’s office. If your pet is seriously ill, he/she may require daily administration for two weeks. Some tortoises require injections of antibiotics after surgery or after suffering serious infections. Most antibiotics are administered at least once a day for at least five days. Unless you are a veterinarian, never administer injections on your turtle.
Prevent your children from lifting or carrying a tortoise found in the street. Tortoises can have salmonella, which can be a hazard to humans. If they still end up doing so, insist that they wash their hands. Make sure to always be learning about your pet through guides, books, and community forums in order to take care of it the best way possible.
