|
Malnutrition and adverse environmental conditions are at the heart of most illness and injury in desert tortoises kept as pets. Like people, tortoises "are what they eat." If improperly
fed, they are sure to become ill and remain chronically ill. Tortoises are not well adapted to the increased moisture, dampness and fog so common along the sea coast and in other areas. Pet
tortoises are also not well adapted to dealing with automobiles, lawn mowers and marauding dogs. Many illnesses plague desert tortoises. Proper techniques are available to correctly diagnose these
conditions, though some diseases may be difficult or impossible to treat.
Typical Signs of Illness: A sick desert tortoise may exhibit obvious signs of illness, such as inappetence, runny nose, swollen eyes, and/or swollen limbs. Usually, however, signs of illness are more subtle and less obvious, such as a change of habits, lethargy, or just "acting differently." Often, by the time a tortoise begins to show obvious signs of serious illness, the disease has advanced to a life-threatening stage. Owners must, therefore, try to recognize subtle changes in behavior in their tortoises and seek veterinary care promptly when they notice any change (large or small).
Tortoise Health . Tortoise Diseases/General . Tortoise Diseases/Parasitic . Tortoise Diseases/Infections . Tortoise Care . Tortoise Feeding . Tortoise Reproduction . Tortoise Hibernation . Tortoise in the Wild . Tortoise Legality
|
