Why is my red-footed tortoise limping, not eating, and acting weird?

It does appear to be a juvenile angulate tortoise. His behavior and symptoms may indicate a respiratory infection. This species does not do well in humid environments. An exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles would be strongly recommended. Any me pet should be examined by a veterinarian within 72 hours of arriving home anyway to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any preexisting conditions. Antibiotics may be indicated if respiratory infection is diagnosed. You can soak him daily in a warm 50 50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Offer dark leafy greens and provide sufficient heat and UVB lighting. Additional care and diet information can be found at the link below. http://www.chelonia.org/articles/cangulatacare.htm

A big concern regarding the swelling and lameness would be metabolic bone disease (MBD). Ideally, Beans should be examined by your herp veterinarian to diagnose injury or illness. In the meantime, review the diet, vitamin/mineral supplementation and UVB lighting. Confirm the bulb is not obstructed by glass or plexiglass and replace if older than 6 months old. Gut load all prey for 24 hours prior to offering to maximize3 nutritional value. Use quality supplements such as Rep-Cal HerptiVite and Calcium w/Vit D3.

Thanks for reaching out about Silica. By the description, this could be a calcium deficiency or metabolic bone disease. Check and correct husbandry parameters such as environmental temperature (day/night, highs/lows, basking site/cool side), UVB exposure and diet. A veterinary visit is highly recommended, ASAP, even if you don't elect to perform any diagnostic testing. Medications can be suggested and/or provided to improve recovery. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Pedro. Review husbandry and diet, as if too cold, will depress appetite. Illness such as upper respiratory disease (sinus congestion) or intestinal infections/parasites can affect appetite. If husbandry is adequate, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Hi and thank you for your question, The bottom line is that he needs to be checked by a vet. The hind legs may be paralyzed due to a spinal injury. You need a vet to perform a neurological assessment. Not eating is a problem in itself, but in this case there are other issues that need to be looked at first. Regards

It sounds as though Tommy may be in pain if he is unable to walk normally, refusing to eat, and hissing. Cats often isolate themselves when they are experiencing pain. It would be best to take Tommy to a vet for a physical exam and any necessary diagnostic tests to try to determine why he is experiencing these issues so that proper treatment can be started. I hope that he's feeling better soon!

Limping means Biscuit is in pain, and I would consider that a sign of distress. She's also showing you she's in distress because she won't eat, that tells me she is in a lot of pain. I would take her into a vet now to get checked out.