You're in > TPG Members Forum > Tortoise Care, Health/Problems > Constipation

Constipation
Posted: 01/08/2009 by tortoise7

Hi Guys
I think Molly is constipated, she does pass stools but very small ones, and they are abit hard (what a subject-sorry this time in the morning)and I caught her straining abit the other day but nothing happened. I have upt the baths and made them warmer, but nothing happening. She is eating and acting as usual. I was wondering, Molly loves nasturtiums,flowers and leaves can these cause constipation? I have given her some opuntia as I know this can act as a laxative, but nothing happening, can you suggest something else I could try
TFYH
Jane

Re: Constipation
Posted: 01/08/2009 by TPGDarren

Hi Jane,

Have you been bathing her daily up until now?
Can you see anything going on in the clocoa when she is straining?
Sorry for so many questions:-)
If she continues to strain, I'd take her to the vets

TC
Darren

Re: Constipation
Posted: 01/08/2009 by tortoise7

Hi Darren
Yes I have been bathing her every day, I had a look and feel of the Clocoa and it was not swollen, hard, discharging or in anyway unusual looking. She just strained that once as far as I know. I think what has kept me keeping an eye on her, is that the poo's have been so small for a tortoise her size. She is passing urates and wee no problem, all looks healthy there. I was going to try a natural laxative first and then if I don't start to see "health sized" looking poo's then take her to the vet, or do you think I should do that now anyway?
TFYH
Jane

Re: Constipation
Posted: 01/08/2009 by TPGDarren

Hi Jane,

I'd be inbclined to see if she passes anything today/tomorrow.

If she looks as though she is straining to the point where she is drawing in her head and rear legs and is still producing nothing then take her to the vets.

HTH
TC
Darren

Re: Constipation
Posted: 01/08/2009 by tortoise7

Thanks Darren

Will keep you posted
Jane

Re: Constipation
Posted: 02/08/2009 by tortoise7

Hi Darren

Well true to form, never guess what Molly done this morning Click and drag me down to the editor

Why do they do this to us? It was very small and hard to begin with and then a normal one and a normal one and a normal one hmmmm too much detail!!!! but I did find a very long hard thin stalk, so whether that was the cause I don't know, not sure where she could have got that from??
So for now everything is OK back at the range ahhhhhhhhh bliss
Thanks for being there
Jane & Molly

Re: Constipation
Posted: 02/08/2009 by TPGDarren

That's really good news Jane :-)

Have a lovely day

TC
Darren

 

web designer: www.beework.net