Nov. 22, 2020
Here are the collected posts from the Tortoise Bladder Stone Series hosted by the Sofa Cushion Challenge along with some additional resources compiled for those looking for more in-depth information. At present, no one knows for sure how stones are formed. Nevertheless most current studies are pointing in the direction of (1) too much protein in the diet coupled with (2) not enough water. Of course it isn't really that simple. Too much calcium may also play a role as may oxalic acid (present in some veggies) and other minerals combining with uric acid in the bladder. Studies are on-going.
Installments appear here in chronological order.
Two pics. Same stone. On the left, inside the tortoise. On the right, after surgery. Bladder stones are believed to be the result of too much protein in the diet coupled with not enough water. They can cause nerve damage, hind-leg paralysis, inability to lay eggs and death. pic.twitter.com/vf3tM9GUQl
— Sofa Cushion Challenge (@SofaCushionChal) November 27, 2020
Any tortoise can get a bladder stone though some species are more prone than others. Pancake tortoises are NOT one of the species to commonly get them. Nevertheless… meet Polly, the pancake tortoise with an egg-sized bladder stone. ☹️https://t.co/f1iyfMOxMr pic.twitter.com/KANDMZSO32
— Sofa Cushion Challenge (@SofaCushionChal) November 28, 2020
