My sister's turtle had major surgery: update RIP, Tess

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Godmother

Godmother

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jul 21, 2007
Messages
12,058
Location
New Brunswick (central)
Her Malaysian Box turtle (about 23 yrs old) stopped eating last week. Fortunately there is a specialist vet in her city who knew what to do.

X-ray showed a huge egg that had kept growing instead of being laid. Meds to induce laying did not work, so the turtle had 3 hrs of surgery. The egg had calcified and there were four other eggs. Poor girl! It's a big deal making such a large incision in the bottom of the shell, and my sis will need to take great care to prevent infection while the incision heals. It is amazing that her turtle survived all that, and she's not out of the woods yet. I didn't dare ask what the vet bill will be, but this turtle is very special and worth every penny.

Healing vibes to Alberta will be gratefully accepted!
 
Yes, my sister has had the turtle for most of her(turtle) life. My sister's dearly beloved cat died of cancer just last month, so I really am glad that her turtle could be diagnosed and treated.
 
WOW!
So glad she was able to have surgery and hope she heals up ok, without any complications.
Please send her my best wishes for a good recovery.
 
Update from my sister: "Well, she made it through the night though she was really slow in coming around. Dr. P took her home with her last night. She actually ended up having a hysterectomy. The 2 eggs she'd produced this year were ping pong ball sized, which is larger than normal. She'd also had started growing a whole whack more (like grapes on a vine) so that's why she did that procedure so I don't have to worry about this again if she survives. Unfortunately, when last years calcified egg broke, yolk also spilled into the cavity which isn't good. They flushed out the area as well as they could and she put antibiotics right in the sight to also hopefully prevent infection starting up. Dr. P is going to have to repair the shell though this morning as overnight, she must have moved and one side has sunk in. She's hoping she can do this without putting her under again, but it's a possibility she may need more antithetic, which is hard on her. They are going to start feeding and hydrating her through the feeding tube this morning and starting antibiotics and oral pain meds via this method. She'll need the feeding tube in her for at least 6 weeks so I'll be feeding, hydrating and giving her meds all through this tube for this period. She'll also only be able to have towels down as bedding so I can keep her take as clean and sterile as possible. I have to find and pick up an under the tank heater tonight so I can get that set up to ensure she has warmth from below and above. I asked if I could see her tonight and was told best not as she's looking really rough.

Keep your fingers crossed for her.
 
I saw a procedure like that on TV last year. I guess turtles are a worse surgery candidate than rats, so she's so lucky to have survived. I hope she continues to recover.
 
I am pretty worried about this. It's an extraordinary intervention for a turtle. I keep thinking that they should encourage my sister to visit. The turtle is very sensitive to change, and also to smells, and she can detect strangers in the house. The first couple of times I visited, the turtle would keep inside her shell. Eventually she recognized me as family and stopped hiding.

Can't help thinking that it might help the turtle's recovery to hear my sister's voice and to smell her presence in the room. Who knows what goes on in a turtle's mind? Also it would help my sister to see her. I am so hoping that there will be a good recovery, but it sounds like a rough road ahead.
 
That's so interesting but I agree, they should definately allow your sister to see her. It would be the best thing for the turtle right now (and your sister). I would insist on seeing her.
 
An amazing story Godmother! I wish a speedy recovery!! Your poor sister. :hugs: She should allowed to see her turtle - it would be good for both of them.
 
Latest update is not good:

"I called this morning and things are not looking great.  She's very lethargic and hasn't opened her eyes.  They haven't fed her anything as with her not moving around, they don't want the food to just sit in her stomach undigested, causing further complications.  Dr. P is thinking that it's best for her to take Tess home with her over the weekend so she can keep a close eye on her.  That's great as if she takes a further turn for the worse, she'll know what to do for her where me taking her to the emergency clinic, they likely wouldn't have a clue.  I'm going to visit her tonight after work and see how to provide her water and meds through the feeding tube in the event she makes it through and can come home next week. "
 
I am so very sorry ! :sad3:
Poor Tess ....
I wish that your sister had been allowed to spend some time with Tess yesterday.
It is small comfort but at least she knows that she did everything possible for Tess, and Tess was very well loved

:hugs: to both of you
 
Thanks, everyone, I will let her know that she has many people thinking of her.

This was her worst fear, to lose both of her pets close together. Her place will feel so empty without either of them.
 

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