tortious

Question
QUESTION: I have I think a Russian horse field, I just noticed that his right leg is swollen he can't pull his leg back into his shell. I see no wounds on him at all that would cause this. what should I do? his skin is flaking on due to the friction. It's almost like he is to big for his shell but his left leg his fine. It is the top part of the shell that is digging into his leg and that is only because his leg is swollen

ANSWER: Adrienne,          Turtles as well as any reptile are prone to metabolic bone disease(mbd). This is usually caused by not getting enough uv lighting or calcium in their diet. What happens is it make them prone to broken bones. It may be that or an internal infection. Either way I would take him to a good vet. Take a stool sample with you so he can check for parasites and things since you are there. Get him out in the sun and put calcium powder on his food. Good Luck, Tina

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QUESTION: thank you for the reply I have also noticed that when he/she urinates it is cloudy in color, what could this mean? do you think that it leads more to infection or uv. I have been calling around to get him/her to a vet but I can't seem to find one in my area that deals with turtles.

Answer
Adrienne,          I know your frustration. Finding a good reptile vet is very hard. I would think this sounds bacterial. Jungle has a newer product on the market you can get it at petsmart.....it is Reptile Xtra. They have an antibacterial meal for tortoise and reptiles. Until you find a vet try it I think it will help....let me know how he is in a week after the medication is administered....Good Luck, Tina