Not Eating/Drinking

Question
We have a 10 yr old Russian Desert Tortoise.  He will only eat Red leaf lettuce.  The vet has verified Conrad has a parasite, dehydrated and is not getting enough protein.  We were given a powder medication.  How do we get it into him if he will not eat or drink?  We have tried a dropper with the powder & water mixture dribbled into his mouth.  Is there a better way.

Answer
Hi Marliene,

I am very experienced with Russian tortoises (not Russian desert tortoise), having kept and bred them for a number of years.  In order to help you, I need to know the following information in as much detail as you can give me:

1)  type and size of enclosure housing your tortoise

2)  kind of substrate (bedding) used

3)  type of heating and UVB bulb(s) you're using (brands

4)  temperatures on warm and cool side of the enclosure

5)  exact diet

6)  how long you've had your tortoise

I'm afraid your vet gave you some incorrect information regarding his diet.  Russian tortoises require a low protein, low fat, high fiber diet that should consist of leafy greens and weeds; no veggies, no fruit, no pellets.  He certainly doesn't need more protein, and trying to feed him high protein foods could make him extremely ill.  He does, however, need a better diet.  Lettuce is OK as part of a varied diet, but it's low value nutritionally.  Better foods are greens such as turnip and mustard greens, dandelion, kale, collards, etc., along with weeds such as sow thistle, chicory, mallow, plantain, clover, and hawkbit, and hibiscus or abutilon flowers, violas, nasturtiums, pansies, etc. (unsprayed).  

How did the vet confirm that Conrad has a parasite load?  There should have been either a fecal check done, or, if no poop was available, a cloacal swab.  The dehydration is easy enough to correct with regular soaks and some moisture in the enclosure.  

Could you tell me what medication was given and what kind of parasites were diagnosed?  There are easier ways to give medication to a tortoise that is eating, but first it's important to know exactly what is being treated.  If the vet didn't tell you, you should call back and ask (kind of parasite and name of medication)--the front desk should be able to pull up the records for you.

Don't worry about the medication right away.  Let's go over his general care first--if he really is dehydrated, for example, that's a sign that there needs to be some changes made, and he does need an improved diet.  If you can post back with the information I asked for, I can help you get him set up right and then we'll see if we can get him eating.  After that, getting the meds in him will be much easier and less stressful for you and him.  A picture of his enclosure will also help.  I'll try to post back as soon as I get the information.