Hi there, recently Bowser has a swollen neck and we don't know what happened. We're wondering is it a serious problem that we need to bring it to a vet right away. Does anyone saw or can give any advice of what we should do right away? He is almost 3 years old.

Hi there. Bowser certainly does look unwell from neck swelling and eye opening too, in my opinion. There are a few complaints/issues he could have. I would see a vet straight away, one who treats exotics. Check the list of vets on this site. Hopefully one will be near you. If not, then post here again with your postcode, and another member may recommend a vet local to you. I would be phoning your local vets and asking if they are experienced with reptiles, you might strike lucky. Do not ignore his issues though, he does need an expert to see him, and at the earliest opportunity. In the meantime keep him warm, offer food and water, and write down a list of how you keep him, foods he likes, any records of weight change, and collect a recent dropping to take to vets too.

Sorry I cannot offer a treatment, but hopefully a vet will help, as soon as you get him to one. Tortoises can be unwell for ages before symptoms show, so this may be a long term issue to correct or treat. I am glad you are seeking help, and hope he is soon getting professional help to put him right. Please keep us informed...it may help other torts and owners avoid or treat similar problems.

Regards, David nr York.

Hi
He does look a poorly chap, as David has said this tortoise needs to see a vet straight away, please let us know how he gets on?
Jane

Yeah we're planning to bring him as soon as possible to the vet. His eyes are kind of open is because we just woke him up to take a picture.

Please ensure he does see a vet...things might go drastically wrong for your tortoise, if he does not receive treatment quickly.

Regards, David nr York.

Sadly we can't get him in till Saturday all booked up and there is very limited reptile vets in Calgary. Hopefully he will be okay till then, he still eats, drinks, and goes.

It looks as though the swollen neck is a result of lots of other problems. How have you been keeping this tortoise? He would appear to have Metabolic Bone Disease, which if not treated and has been going on for some time can be fatal. Do you have 'in date' uvb lamps and do you supplement his diet daily. Hopefully you have seen an exptics vet and been given good advice, he does look very poorly though, so I would say you have a long journey ahead. Please let us know how you go on.

Is there anything I can do for now until I can bring him to the vet???

I just called the vet again and they have Friday now so 1 day closer I am going to try every day/hours to see if they got another closer opening until then anyone can give advice what I can do for now?

Sorry for all the posts I wish there is edit. Is MBD curable as well? Really wish it is. I love my bowser =\

Hi
Just keep him warm,quiet and well hydrated. If he is eating just make sure that is weeds e.g. dandies, plantain with some nutrobal. MBD can be curable depending on the circumstances. Is the vet a specialist tortoise vet?
Jane