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| rescued horsefields not using back legs Posted: 12/10/2015 by lilly73 |
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Hi everyone, I need some advice on my 2 horsefields, which i took on in April. They were both very sick after being “hibernated” in someones cupboard under the stairs. They had antibiotics to treat respiratory infections, and are now in a proper tortoise table with UV & heat lamp etc. Over the summer they have been outdoors. At first both would not eat and constantly slept, they have made huge progress over the summer and are much more active and eating/ drinking well. the only remaining problem is they they are both still dragging their back legs. I have researched metabolic bone disorder (which i am assuming this is), but i don’t know if they will ever recover use of their legs (it has got much better)? I am unsure whether to attempt to hibernating them this year, given that they’ve had such a hard time and may not be up to it physically, or to keep feeding them up in the hope of a full recovery? I think they are about 4 years old. Thanks if anyone can help. Liz | |
| Re: rescued horsefields not using back legs Posted: 12/10/2015 by Tom |
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Hello Lily, You are doing a great job, yes it is MBD. Yes hibe is best avoided this year. I suggest that you seek the advice of a specialist vet, there is a list in the box on the left, by email if the distance is prohibitive. Which UVB bulb are you using ? Regards, Tom | |
| Re: rescued horsefields not using back legs Posted: 12/10/2015 by lilly73 |
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Hi Tom, It’s an Arcadia combi bulb, 80w UV basking, which was recommended on some sites so it’d better be ok! they use it on cooler days when they aren’t outside in their run. Will have a look on the vets list, just need to know if they will need extra supplements over winter if they aren’t going to be hibernated Liz | |
| Re: rescued horsefields not using back legs Posted: 12/10/2015 by Tom |
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They need extra supplements anyway, given the leg probs.. After 6 months, move to a 100W Megaray bulb, with an 8.5in dome reflector. Angle down at 90°. Good luck, Tom | |