Why did my tortoise die with indigestion, swollen legs, and no poop?

Thanks for reaching out about Swimmly and including a photo. A veterinary visit is recommended ASAP. This could be an indication of sepsis, liver/kidney disease, heart problems, calcium and other nutritional deficiencies, just to list a few. Check water quality and replaced to clean water. Removing from the water and placing in a warm dry environment might help over the short term. Returning to water to feed is allowed. Blood work and other diagnostics will probably be necessary, but at the minimum systemic antibiotics started. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Ace. Swollen limbs is commonly an indication of retained fluids. Possible causes could be infection, kidney, heart or liver disease. Illness from improper husbandry or diet can also affect systemic healthy. A veterinary visit is highly recommended, soon for a diagnostics and treatment plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Radi. If an auricular infection, antibiotics and possible minor surgery needed, so a veterinary visit is recommended. If something more serious such as a skin infection, even more need to see a vet. Due to the nature of reptile pus (very thick and caseous), anti-inflammatories will do little to remedy this condition by themselves. Vitamin A deficiencies are often a component also and a veterinarian should be able to review your diet and correct any concerns. Good luck.

Kidney disease is one possibility. Bacterial infection or nutritional deficiencies are other possibilities. Without a physical exam and diagnostics, it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine the exact cause. Sisi should be seen by a veterinarian, any veterinarian, for an exam. It is possible a specialist can be reached by phone or online to assist your veterinarian. In the meantime, provide clean water at the proper temperature, a heat source and UVB light source for basking and an appropriate diet. Commercial turtle sticks or pellets can be fed. Supplement with fresh greens and vegetables. A calcium and multivitamin supplement should be sprinkled on food several times weekly as well. It appears that you have a Yellow-Headed Sideneck turtle. You can find a care sheet here: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-yellowheadedamazon.htm

Hello. You really need to find a veterinarian that treats exotics. This much swelling could be a sign of heart disease, but other issues can be at hand. I hope you can have her checked out soon. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Continue to treat as indicated by your veterinarian. Offer a varied diet rich in Vitamin A. Broccoli, carrots, cantaloupe, dandelion greens and collard greens are just a few foods rich in this vitamin. Confirm proper temperature. A cold tortoise will not eat. Soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for 30 minutes. This will warm him up and may treat or prevent mild dehydration.

It does appear to be a juvenile angulate tortoise. His behavior and symptoms may indicate a respiratory infection. This species does not do well in humid environments. An exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles would be strongly recommended. Any me pet should be examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours of arriving home anyway to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any preexisting conditions. Antibiotics may be indicated if respiratory infection is diagnosed. You can soak him daily in a warm 50 50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Offer dark leafy greens and provide sufficient heat and UVB lighting. Additional care and diet information can be found at the link below. http://www.chelonia.org/articles/cangulatacare.htm