Re: very sick leopard tortoise

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Posted by Morgan on May 09, 2000 at 10:01:52:

In Reply to: very sick leopard tortoise posted by kelly on May 09, 2000 at 00:59:09:

Some info found, which seems to say that it is treatable:

Hexamitiasis

This highly contagious organism is commonly encountered in G. pardalis and unless identified and treated quickly is likely to lead to terminal renal failure. Symptoms include lethargy,
weight loss, strongly smelling (and often thickened) urine and refusal to feed. Excessive drinking may also be observed. Again, at the first sign of such symptoms seek veterinary assistance.
It may help if you collect a urine sample and take it with you when you visit your vet. The easiest way to collect a urine sample from a tortoise is to place it in a large plastic storage box for
a while, alternatively line a cardboard box with polythene. Hexamitiasis is caused by Hexamita parva, and is most frequently seen in newly imported and stressed animals, or those which
have been maintained at incorrect temperatures. Because of the contagious and lethal nature of this condition it is extremely risky to introduce new animals to an established collection until
it can be demonstrated that they are free of the disease. A minimum quarantine period of 6 months is suggested in most cases. We prefer 12 months where the newly acquired stock has
an uncertain history. Fortunately, Hexamitiasis is treatable in the early stages and Flagyl (Metronidazole) has proved consistently successful. Your vet will suggest a suitable dosing
schedule, but we have found a single dose at 260 mg/kg entirely effective.

RENAL FAILURE in mammals is treated with medications, dialysis and even kidney transplant. Depends on the level of failure. The reptiles I have seen with renal failure had very poor recovery rates. Actually, not to be a bummer, but I can't remember any that survived. I think the main reason for high mortality in reptiles is because they mask illness so well for so long. Things like dialysis and kidney replacement are also not available (that I know of) for reptiles.

Keep your fingers crossed, make that tortoise as happy and comfortable as you can and pray. Reptiles do also have amazing powers of recovery, as we all know!

Little Lizard

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Re: very sick leopard tortoise Terry 05/09/00 (7)
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: Some info found, which seems to say that it is treatable: : : Hexamitiasis : This highly contagious organism is commonly encountered in G. pardalis and unless identified and treated quickly is likely to lead to terminal renal failure. Symptoms include lethargy, : weight loss, strongly smelling (and often thickened) urine and refusal to feed. Excessive drinking may also be observed. Again, at the first sign of such symptoms seek veterinary assistance. : It may help if you collect a urine sample and take it with you when you visit your vet. The easiest way to collect a urine sample from a tortoise is to place it in a large plastic storage box for : a while, alternatively line a cardboard box with polythene. Hexamitiasis is caused by Hexamita parva, and is most frequently seen in newly imported and stressed animals, or those which : have been maintained at incorrect temperatures. Because of the contagious and lethal nature of this condition it is extremely risky to introduce new animals to an established collection until : it can be demonstrated that they are free of the disease. A minimum quarantine period of 6 months is suggested in most cases. We prefer 12 months where the newly acquired stock has : an uncertain history. Fortunately, Hexamitiasis is treatable in the early stages and Flagyl (Metronidazole) has proved consistently successful. Your vet will suggest a suitable dosing : schedule, but we have found a single dose at 260 mg/kg entirely effective. : RENAL FAILURE in mammals is treated with medications, dialysis and even kidney transplant. Depends on the level of failure. The reptiles I have seen with renal failure had very poor recovery rates. Actually, not to be a bummer, but I can't remember any that survived. I think the main reason for high mortality in reptiles is because they mask illness so well for so long. Things like dialysis and kidney replacement are also not available (that I know of) for reptiles. : Keep your fingers crossed, make that tortoise as happy and comfortable as you can and pray. Reptiles do also have amazing powers of recovery, as we all know!

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