Hi,
So the visit to the vet went ok!
When we got there the vet asked how long I’d had him as he was concerned about some potential metabolic bone disease
![Sad :(](./images/smilies/icon_e_sad.gif)
He said the bottom of his shell/scutes looked flatter than the front which worried him. When I said he’s only been with me for 6 weeks he said it was nothing I’d done and was done at breeder level.
He wasn’t overly concerned about the balantidium protozoa level just now.
There were no signs of nasal bubbles while there (although I did see a small one first thing this morning!) he gave him a squeeze which produced nothing and there was no noise upon listening to him.
He gave him an injection of calcium and has given us oral calcium (0.05ml drop on a piece of food daily for a week).
He asked about husbandry and was impressed with his diet (so thank you to The Tortoise Table for that!), he said ensure his temps are a degree higher (we are maintaining 30-31° at the minute) as we head into winter. He did recommend a bigger table and switching to separate heat and UV but appreciated that it can’t happen overnight.
He said that a battery of tests could be run to check the level of MBD (xrays and bloods) but said that the management is the same regardless so doesn’t see the point of this just now as it comes with costs obviously.
He recommended daily baths (any ideas on how to keep the water warm, it cools so quickly!)
He wants to see him next week just to check for respiratory issues especially as I’ve seen the nasal bubbles sporadically.
He owns a marginated tortoise himself and originates from Spain so has an interest in tortoises, he did say he wasn’t a specialist but hopes to specialise as time goes on (he was late 20s so I guess it’s a bit like human medics and takes time to specialise!?!)
Floyd is now in a grump with me and has been like this since we came home
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)