Did you know a tortoise are one of the only pets that have a long life
They can live for a long time
But in order to them healthy and active, yo need to take care of their diet as well as their environment and habitat
Now one concern that tortoise parents have is when they find blood in tortoise urine
This can be very concerning of course
Not to worry as this article will explore the potential causes and how you can treat it
A tortoise that has blood in its urine can be caused by a minor issue to something much more serious.
A bladder stone or a urinary tract infection are a much more common cause of blood in the urine and reality easy to overcome.
However, it can also be a sign of kidney failure which can lead to death.
I’ll explain everything there is to know about spotting the signs and dealing with them.
When does turtle blood appear in the urine?
It can be bladder stones or UTI (urinary tract infection)
Experts believe that the cause of tortoise blood in the urine is either due to a urinary tract infection.
The first step should be to examine your pet and provide him/her with fluids if he/she needs them.
How to tell if your tortoise has has blood in it’s urine?
Your tortoise will usually notice changes in behavior before anything else.
If he stops eating and drinking, this is probably a sign of illness.
If you notice blood in your tortoise’s urine, he will need to see a vet.
Some symptoms include lethargy and weakness, lack of appetite, decreased ability to urinate or defecate normally.
You should also watch for any foul-smelling odors coming from the tortoise’s mouth.
Blood in the urine is often a sign of kidney disease, bladder cancer, or an infection.
Tortoise blood in the urine could indicate kidney problems, but there are other causes too such as bladder cancer and or an infection
What can cause tortoise blood in the urine?
There are many reasons why a tortoise may develop blood in its urine.
Some of these include kidney disease, bladder cancer, or an infection.
Dehydration is often caused by a decrease in fluid intake.
Keeping your pet hydrated is essential to avoid dehydration or kidney failure.
The bladder may not work correctly if its water intake decreases significantly.
It is important to note that a tortoise’s urine can be bloody for reasons other than dehydration, so it is best not to assume that the state of its hydration is based on how much it is urinating or how frequently.
Tortoiseshell cats often develop bleeding cysts in their bladders, ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the outside of the body) kidneys, lungs and other organs within their shell
Veterinarians say it isn’t a good idea for anyone without veterinary training to attempt to diagnose whether a tortoise has an illness that is not confirmed correctly.
But it is a good idea to take your tortoise to the vet if you notice any of these symptoms: weight loss, lethargy, or trouble breathing.
If the veterinarian determines that there is an underlying cause for the dog’s symptoms, she may prescribe antibiotics or medications to treat the infection.
Surgery may also be recommended to remove the obstruction.
Treatment for Tortoise blood in the Urine
Tortoises with blood in their urine require medical attention.
The severity of the condition determines what type of treatment is needed.
Antibiotics and/or lactulose may be used to treat bacterial infections.
Flushing the animal’s urinary tract may help remove bacteria that cause UTIs.
Tortoises can develop kidney stones, but they usually don’t need surgical removal unless there is a large stone blocking the flow of urine.
The goal will be to remove any stones that have formed and repair damage done from tumors or obstructions so that clean water can flow through the system.
Tortoises can develop kidney stones, but they don’t usually pass them. To check for kidney stones, the veterinarian may collect a blood sample and look at its chemical makeup.
Surgery is usually recommended only after other treatments fail to provide relief.
How Do You Prevent It From Happening Again?
Tortoises are herbivores and require a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
They do not eat meat, fish, eggs, milk, cheese, butter, or any other animal product.
Their diets consist mainly of grasses, leaves, fruit, and seeds.
Some veterinarians suggest adding small amounts of cooked corn to the diet to encourage digestion.
If the problem was caused by incorrect food or a lack of water, then you will need to adjust those elements in your diet to prevent this from happening again.
Make sure that there are fresh sources of clean drinking water available at all times, and that the water is changed as often as needed.
I also recommend providing your tortoise with a shallow bath of clean water from time to time so they can soak in it for 15-30 minutes daily.
This will help them stay hydrated, keep their skin moisturized (making it harder for parasites or bacteria to penetrate through the skin), and help them to shed any damaged scales.
Signs that your pet might have a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Tortoises that are suffering from UTI usually show symptoms which include lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
If your tortoise shows any of these signs, he or she should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.
Tortoises do not change quickly, so it is important to know your tortoise personality traits so you can notice any changes.
What color should my tortoises Pee be?
Normal urine of tortoises consists of a liquid clear portion and of small to moderate amounts of white urates.
The color of the liquid part varies from colorless to pale yellow.
Tortoises with liver disease may show a yellow-brown to yellow-green urine due to biliverdin, and to a lesser extent to bilirubin.
Wrapping Up
Tortoise are able to hold their urine for up to 72 hours, which can cause blood in the urine.
If your turtle has blood in its urine, you should take it to a veterinarian immediately and find out what is causing this condition.
The article explains that some common causes of tortoise blood in their urine include UTIs, kidney disease, or bladder stones.
UTI’s are often caused by bacteria entering from outside sources such as other animals or contaminated water dishes; however, they may also develop due to stress within the body such as dehydration or hypercalcemia.
Kidney disease could be either hereditary or secondary — meaning that it developed as a side effect of another medical condition.
Bladder stones are often caused by urination of tiny bits of rock or mineral deposits that form inside the bladder and build up over time.
They can cause pain, but they are one of the most common medical issues tortoises face with a relatively high survival rate (usually around 90%)
The rule of thumb to follow is if you are unsure about your tortoise health then the best practice is to visit your local veterinarian.
