hi my tortoise barnaby is 42 years old. He has not been right since i got him out from hibernation which i put down to the terrible weather...i Have been bringing him in and out depending on the waether...however he just stays in the same place and does not move all day...today as i was feeding him (and it seems only cucumber)by hand as this seems the only way to get him to feed that maybe he has lost his sight hence why he does not move or feed unless it rubbed against his mouth...he also keeps openig his mouth like he is gasping for air..please help
thanks karen

Hi Karen, Barnaby needs the attention of a vet as quickly as you can get him there. A gasping tortoise is not a good sign at all. He needs to be kept warm until he is attended to, and bathed in warm water. Please do not delay the vet visit, things can quickly go down hill. What is your postcode? Someone reading this may be able to source a suitable vet near to you. Have you checked the vet list on this site? Click on the green box to the left, titled Vets and Health Issues. I stress again, please get Barnaby some proper help, he has been ill long enough. I am glad you are aware that he is not well, and that you wrote to this site. Please keep in touch with updates and let us know how Barnaby improves.

Regards, David nr York.

thankyou dave....seeing a vet this afternoon
karen

That is good news Karen...I am glad you are acting so quickly!                              

Please let us know what your vet suggests, and if you get a good vibe from the advice you are given. Not all vets are up to date on tortoises, so use your judgement, and let us know the outcome of your visit. I am really pleased you are putting Barnaby's health on a top priority level.

Regards, David nr York.

Hi
Barnaby seems to have a chest infection have been given antibiotics which i have to administer once a day in his mouth...he has given him a vitamin a injection..he feels he has fluid around his legs and he is blind...hence why he does not move and only eats by hand....he says the blindness maye temporary...bath him daily in warm water which i have been doing...hand feed which i have been doing...keep him warm...if no improvement after 1 week take him back...i suppose that means nothing can be done which is basically what he said so fingers crossed
thanks karen

so sad we lost barnaby :( 42 years

That is sad news...you will be devastated.

So sorry it was a rotten outcome.

Regards, David nr York.