Why is my tortoise peeing more, has loose stool, and straining to pee?

When I see animals with rectal prolapses I am always suspicious that they may have intestinal parasites. I would recommend a fecal exam. I also get concerned that they may not be eating an appropriate diet or have enough water. This is a great resource for diet and husbandry recommendations: www.anapsid.org. There are many types of tortoises listed on the website. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Pet Coach.

Urine should be clear, however it can be discolored by food. Dandelions can color the urine pink temporarily. Other foods with red coloring can also cause pink urine. If he is behaving normally otherwise, monitor him at home. If you see lethargy, loss of appetite or an increase in thirst or urination, then have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.

Thanks for reaching out about Shelley. Including a photo might help determine the nature of the cracks. The scutes typically have growth rings but these are symmetric around the scutes. They can vary on their width dependent on growth spurts. As for the white substance in the urine. Reptiles excrete kidney waste in two forms: clear urine and white, thick urates. The urates are a method to conserve water in the body. Large amounts of urates can be an indication of dehydration. Another possibility of white in the urine is calcium deposits. Excess calcium in the diet is excreted in the urine. This increased concentration of calcium in the urine, can be a precursor to a bladder stone. Different species (not identified by you) of tortoises are more prone to calcium stones. Research proper husbandry and nutrition for your tortoise to ensure long term health. A veterinary visit is recommended, at least annually, just as if for humans, dogs and cats. Good luck.

If he won't soak on his own, you can give him a soak once or twice a week. Use a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Soak for at least 30 minutes. It is normal for the to defecate during the soak, if this happens, change the water. Submit the stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. Confirm proper temps in the enclosure as low temps can affect activity, appetite and digestion in reptiles.

Thank you for your question about Kinobi. The white material that you are seeing is normal, and it is part of the urine. In tortoises, the urine component is made up of two parts - a solid form of the urine called the urates, and then the liquid component of the urine. As long as the urine is clear and the urates are white, everything is good. You should be seeing both white and clear every time Kinobi goes to the bathroom, ideally. I did not see what species of tortoise Kinobi is, but you can also soak your tortoise 1-2 times per week in 85-90F water for 15-20 minutes per time. This will help to keep Kinobi hydrated. I hope that answers your question, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It may have been urates as they can vary in consistency and color based on the diet. Monitor Tiny Tim for lethargy, decreased appetite or any change in droppings. If it persists or worsens, you should have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.

Keep him warm and as stress free as possible. If he is on loose substrate, switch him to slate, paper towels or reptile carpeting to prevent material from sticking to his vent. Submit a stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites.