Hi,

One of my horsfields has pulled out one of his front claws dont know how as they live outside in the garden. I bought them in last night to give them there daily bath and noticed it. The whole claw is missing and his foot was covered in blood, he had his long soak and i could see there was no cut there just the hole where the claw was missing. It wasnt bothering him as far as i could see. This morning when i checked on them i could see it had been bleeding again. We are off on holiday in the morning and my mum is looking after the torts so terriable timing. Is there anything i should do to prevent a infection, or should i soak him in something.

Jo

Hallo Jo,

You could bathe his foot with dilute Betadine. How long is Mum in charge for?

My mum has the tortoises for 10 days. She also is elderly and doesnt drive which is a worry. I have spoken to another relative who is going to call in and check on them. what is betadine and where can i get it from, is it like a antiseptic.

Hi,

I have always found it hard getting Betadine when i ask in the chemist. The best thing would be to go to a pet shop (preferably a reptile shop) and buy some Tamodine, this is a form of Iodine and is a good wound cleanser. This can be used diluted to bath the wound.

Ali

You can get Betadine from the chemist. It is a povidone-iodine topical antiseptic. Very useful to have for skin and shell infections.