Tiny, weighing just 380gm, came to us from an elderly lady who couldn't cope with her. She had come out of hibernation but was not well. Her diet had been lettuce only for the past five years and we suspected malnutrition; incorrect diet is a very common problem with exotic species. She was anorexic, not moving and cold. Her eyes were swollen and she was jaundiced (possible liver problem).
We sought advice from Holly House Exotics in Leeds and we set up the following treatments:
l Bath her in warm water 3 times a day·       
l Give a vitamin and mineral supplement.
l Give oral fluids regularly.
l Keep her warm - ambient temp 21 deg,
                             - basking temp 32 deg.
l Get her eating green leaved veg. etc.
l Give antibiotics.

   Tiny (her real name is Desdemona) in her incubator
We made use of our new incubator - used a heat pad and a heat lamp to create a basking area, bathed her in sink etc. and she has improved remarkably!

She is now walking about and watching us, her eyes are clearer and less swollen. She has starting eating broccoli herself and is much stronger.
All the nurses have been involved in her care, and are very happy that she is picking up. Exotic species are very difficult to care for, and certainly to bring back from a near death situation!
                                Jill Macdonald DipAVN(surg), VN, Head Nurse

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