Hi,  This is all new to me,  I have 2 horsfields 3-4 yrs Tetley & Twiglet.  Twiglet is very small and when she's eating she has trouble swallowing.  She takes a bite of her food, then it stays in her mouth.  She shakes her from side to side and uses her front legs to dislodge the food.  Her eyes then have what looks like bubbles on them and occaisonally she gags.  Eventually she does swallow but eating does not look very enjoyable for her.  Does anyone have any idea why this is happening and what is causing it??????

Thank you  

Hallo,

If you really think she is having trouble swallowing I would suggest a visit to a good reptile vet, to put your mind at rest. If there is a problem you can get it sorted. 

Oops

Sorry I missed you post, but tes.tudo is correct.  If your tortoise is having trouble swallowing then you would be better getting her checked out with a tortoise specialist.  There is a list of TPG members recommended vets on this web site.  click on the link 'Breeders and Vets' and have a look at the vet list.  If you can't find one near to you let us know and we'll see if we can help you find your nearest.

Meanwhile give Twiglet warm soaks twice a day this will help keep her well hydrated until the problem is sorted.  Do you have any pictures of her so we can see what you mean with her eyes please?

Helen 

Hi, Thanks for the replies.  She has 2 baths a day anyway as she was dehyrated when I got her.  I'll try with the pics but not great with this computer stuff but will get it done!!!!  Has anyone ever heard of this before???????

Also do they have bad eye sight? as when feeding Twiglet by hand she just opens her mouth and points her head randomly in any direction, not necessarily where the food is.   She's a bit of an odd bod really!!!

Rowan

Hi Rowan,

Tortoises generally have good eyesight and hearing. I recommend you take your tortoise to a reputable reptile vet for a once over, they will look in her mouth to check for any problems. You may find one on our vets list on the lefthand side of this page.

Good luck.

Ali

Thank you.  I never knew Tortoises would make me worry so much!  Will be making an appointment this weekend.  They're registered with a Vet who has three of his own Torts so will try there..... She's soo tiny and timid compared to Tetley would hate anything to be seriousley wrong.

I'll keep my fingers crossed she's ok

Row

Good luck with it and please keep us updated. Im sure she will be fine :-)

Ali

Any updates?

Twiglet has now been to the vet. All's good though she's been given eye drops as her she has been rubbing them and look a little sore and irritated but no infection.  Food cut up in smaller pieces is helping loads and also just putting a little down at a time helps as otherwise she rams it into her mouth without swallowing between bites!!.

I'm really pleased to hear all seems to be well with Twiglet.  they do cause us so much worry don't they, but that just goes to show how caring we must be.

Happy New Year

Helen

Hi,

Just to let you know Twiggy has been back to the vets for a 2nd time with a poorly eyes and has been given more eye drops.  They seem to be working which is such a relief andshe is getting more confident which is just great.

She's not great at the vet and won't get her head out for him even with tempting cucumber she just hides.  Touch wood she's on the mend.  She certainley seems happier

Just happy  she's getting better and wanted to share with other tortoise lovers!   

It's so good to hear that Twiggy seems to be getting better! You've been through some really hard times with her, but hopefully, as you say, she's on the mend now. The days are getting longer too, so just keep telling her that if she behaves herself there is a lovely summer with lots of weeds just waiting for her!

Nina