Sulcata Tortoise is Sick

by Herby
(California)

I have a Sulcata tortoise(4 yrs old) and recently he has been rather wobbly while he walks. His eyes also water. The symptoms were bad, then he got better, then he got sick again. He eats a lot and walks around looking for food frequently. I am wondering if I possibly overfed him, or if he ate something that I do not know about. Since he already is sick, how should I address the situation? Would a crash course diet be good for his now weak body? Or would it be devastating? I have had him/her since he was 3 months old and have never had this problem before.


Please and thank you for your assistance.

Comments for Sulcata Tortoise is Sick

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Jul 26, 2016
 Baby sulcata
by: Anonymous

So my baby sulcata tortoise has been sleeping for a while and he won't eat anything he opens his mouth like he's eating but nothing is he hibernating
Jul 08, 2014
 Nose :(
by: Troy

My tortoise nose is leaking what should I do ?? EXCEPT for taking him to the wet!!
Feb 21, 2014
 Sick Sulcata
by: Shelly

It sounds like your sulcata has respiratory problems. If the temperature and humidity levels are correct, then you must take this animal to a vet. If you can't afford that, please surrender it to a tortoise rescue center. It will then be given to someone who can afford to care for it properly. There is always a cost to caring for a pet.

I wish you the best.

Keep it slow and steady.
Feb 20, 2014
 Please help
by: Anonymous

I have a 2 year old sulcata tortise it's a baby and it has a red nose and it has bubbles coming out every time I give him a bath I don't want to take him to a vet because its costs a lot and PLEASE TELL ME WHAT TO DO or what meds
Nov 22, 2011
 Sick sulcatas
by: Anonymous

What would you suggest for a diet that would provide a robust immune system?
Have tried lots of things, usually dandelion leaves and flowers when in season but struggling to get them so been giving endive leaves which we were advised by vet was high calcium low protein, occasional grated carrot + red pepper and very occasionally half a strawberry.
We have even tried hay which they only eat around if we mix other foods in with it.
Aug 06, 2011
 sick sulcatas
by: Anonymous

I would wonder if your sulcatas are warm enough and dry enough. Somehow they are getting repeated respiratory infections. This would be at least somewhat similar to a human getting a cold often.

The other thing to be sure of is that the diet provides enough for a robust immune system.

I'm sorry I can't suggest anything else.
Aug 06, 2011
 Sick sulcatas
by: Anonymous

I have had similar problems with my 2 baby sulcatas which will be 1year old in September.
I have taken them to the vets frequently since we bought them and have had antibiotics (baytril+game bird tonic) which seem to help for a short time then the watery eyes/bubbly nose/wobbly legs/noises when breathing become noticeable again. 1 of my sulcata's had feed tube put in due to weight loss and has got much better and both have been treated for worms and parasites.
I am worried as nothing seems to working long term and wonder if anyone else has had similar sypmtoms or ideas on things I can do to help.
Jul 16, 2011
 Sick Sulcata
by: Anonymous

From the watery eye part, I would think he's fighting off an infection. Do NOT withold food.

I'd take this one to a vet for a proper diagnosis. You don't want to lose him.

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