Tortoise shell bleeding

by Shan
(Rochester, NY)

Hi. Our Russian Tortoise, Franklin, escaped from his outdoor garden. He was missing for probably an hour. Our German Shepard found him, and he is moving around well, but he is bleeding a small amount from his carapace, and he has a small puncture wound in his plastron. He is going to the vet tomorrow, but is there anything we can do today to help him? He will probably get an antibiotic tomorrow. Thanks for your answer.

Shan

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Jun 06, 2011

Tortoise found by dog
by: Shan

Franklin went to the vet today and is getting a course of 3 antibiotic shots over the next week.The puncture wounds did not go all the way through his shell, and except for a few scratches is looking pretty good. We are extremely lucky to have such a good outcome. A few days of R & R and he will be good as new. Thank you.

Jun 06, 2011

Tortoise shell bleeding
by: Anonymous

I had exactly the same happen. My dalmation thought the tortoise was a new toy until she tasted blood then dropped it and ran a mile.
I bathed him in warm water with anticeptic diluted and keept him in a warm towel, in a restricted area for 2 days. Keeping him warm and bathed. He needed to come out of the shock in his own time. It took a lot of care and patience but eventually he was ok and now you wouldn't know the difference, except for the broken shell, which has grown again. He was badly maimed, punctures on top and bottom and his shell was split all the way round. I cared for him and it paid off. He is a real fighsty character now and bullies the dog!!
However you will need to get him to the vet for some anibiotics. Good luck xx

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