Health & Veterinary Care

🐢 Behavioral Warning Signs

Lack of Appetite

• Sulcatas are normally voracious eaters.
• Not eating for 1–2 days can be normal but should be monitored closely.
• Prolonged refusal can indicate illness, stress, incorrect temperatures, or improper diet.

Slowing Down / Lethargy

• Often a sign of too low temperatures or illness.
• Raise temperature and monitor for a few days.
• Consult a veterinarian if no improvement.

Burrowing / Digging

• Do not allow your tortoise to remain in a burrow; it can be dangerous.
• Low temperatures inside burrows can cause digestive problems.
• Burrows can collapse or become escape routes; heavy rains risk flooding.
• Walls act like sandpaper, wearing down the shell over time.

Aggression

• Males may become aggressive and fight, especially during breeding season.
• Consider separating aggressive males to protect all tortoises.

⚠️ Common Symptoms

• Wheezing, nasal discharge, or swollen eyes
• Shell soft spots or foul-smelling areas (possible shell rot)
• Cloacal prolapse (requires immediate veterinary attention)
• Presence of parasites (internal or external)

💊 Medical Measures & Treatments

Deworming

• Don't deworm on a fixed schedule like some mammals — base it on evidence.
• Routine fecal testing every 6–12 months is ideal for captive tortoises.
• During fecal examination, the vet checks for parasite eggs or larvae. Deliver samples quickly as parasites die fast.

When to test:

• Visible signs: Poor appetite, weight loss, lethargy, diarrhea, bloated appearance, mucus from mouth, worms in feces.
• New arrivals: Any tortoise should be tested before housing with others, especially rescues.

Constipation Relief

In cases of constipation, warm water baths combined with laxative foods can help:

• Dandelion
• Prickly pear cactus
• Pumpkin
• Aloe vera

Restoring Gut Flora

• Probiotics such as NutriBAC df (formulated for reptiles) can restore healthy gut flora.
• Boosts appetite, enhances digestion, and reduces stress.
• Sprinkle powder directly onto food.
• Give every 3–4 days initially, then reduce to 1–2 times per month for maintenance.

🏥 Finding a Veterinarian

• Maintain a healthy level of skepticism — not all vets have tortoise-specific expertise.
• Standard veterinary practices can sometimes be unnecessary or harmful for tortoises.
• Always consider what is truly best for your tortoise. If in doubt, seek a second opinion.
• Whenever possible, seek out a veterinarian with specific experience in reptiles.

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