Anorexia

This means the tortoise does not eat; or eats only one or two mouthfuls before walking away from the food; or needs to be hand-fed.

Causes: Hibernating or incorrect temperatures causes the tortoise to burn proteins i.e. (muscle). Waste products in the form of urates then accumulate m the kidneys. This also raises the blood urea level. High blood urea causes lack of appetite. (Other problems such as mouth rot or inadequate basking facilities can make the problem worse).

Cure: This can be cured by consistently keeping the tortoise warm and feeding liquidized food by stomach tube. Details are avai1able on request. Any subsidiary ailments must be treated.

N.B. Many vets, in the past, have used vitamin injection for this condition. This is totally ineffective and can cause problems -e.g. abscesses.