Healthcare for your torts
Not all Veterinarians are created equal. My dogs visit a different Vet than my tortoises. The dog Vet only treats domestic, non-exotic pets. With our first adopted Russian tortoise it was evident he needed a visit. He felt light, with a pale gray tongue, yellowish poo and urate (semi-liquid, paste-like urine) that was discolored and gooey like egg-whites. Needless to say, I needed someone who knew a lot more than me.
If a Google search fails to return a Vet in your area that cares for reptiles, start calling local Vet offices, animal hospitals, or the local animal shelter for recommendations. Believe or not, shelters end up with all sorts of reptiles in need of care, not just cats and dogs.
When you find a Vet that treats reptiles you’re in business (let’s think positive here). What I’ve found is the cost to treat my tortoises vs my dogs is about the same. The average first visit with treatment (deworming) is approximately $130.00 per tortoise. The dog’s annual visit with shots is about the same price, $130.00 – $150.00. Of course, the cost is contingent upon where you live, but this gives an idea of the average a cost for care.
To get the most bang for your buck, be prepared at the Vet visit. Be sure to have pictures of your habitat(s), temperature data, description of your daily care, diet info, list of issues (if you have any), a dated weight chart (if you don’t keep this, start now in a notebook), and lastly, a list of questions.
Happy tortoise keeping…
The Tortoise Keeper 