hello,

Our family spur thighed tortoise is around 50 years old, we,ve never had any problems hybination wise over the years shes been in the family untill the winter just passed, she was not eating when she came out, even though we give her time as always, took her to vet, (exotic) he stomach tubed her for around 4 days in this time she passed some worms as well as wee and poo, he said it was hard to determine any frost damage,unfortunately the amount for the vet service was amounting to a large amount and we can no longer afford treatment so we are looking into other options, at the moment the tortoise is in full everyday movement as she normally is, but we are having to feed her,it looks to me as though she cant tell were her food is or smell it, posibly frost damage, does anyone have any ideas what to try or who could help us make a desicion what would be best for this tortoise, it would be greatly appritiated thank you. sarah.

Hi Sarah,  I'm not an expert at all and I'm sure someone more knowledgeable than me will reply to your post soon.  In the meantime I would think if she's moving around and eating if you feed then will probably be OK.  Do her eyes look alright?  They can be damaged by frost.  I hope she is OK, She must be very precious to you after 50 years.  Let us know how she gets on,

Helen 

Hi helen,

Thankyou for your reply, her eyes are open but not bright and i,ve been asking my mum if shes been banging into things. This im afraid she is doing and doesnt seem to know whats in front of her, so possibly she cant see, i,ve asked my mum to contact places that can offer treatment for a donation, so she can be treated further, she definately will not be able to hibinate this year even if she survives as her weight isnt enough. thankyou will keep you posted.

sarah.

hi sarah

try washing the nose and the eyes