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What is that thing hanging from my Sulcatas butt2007-11-24 2:03:33

I am not very familiar with Sulcata tortoises. I just adopted one, she is kind of big and I have noticed that after pooping she drags this pink long thing around. I am not sure if it is her butt, or a tail, or something that is actually suppossed to be inside of her. Today she had it out all day and was dragging it all over the backyard. I had to wash her because she collected all kinds of dirt that got stuck to it. So, what is that thing? Is that part of her intestines? Should I worry about this? Is this normal?

Answers:

It's called prolapse. it could either be the penis (likely) or intestine. if it goes back in by itself, it is not a problem. If it sticks out all the time, put on some sterile gloves and apply the organ with KY jelly and ease it back in gently. If this fails, keep it moist and take it to a reptile vet immediately. You need to keep the organ clean, if it out too long it will get damaged and will need to be amputated. Don't let it drag around the dirt; it may get scratche, cut, or infected.

Anyway, if it is does not go back in, it is serious. Good luck.

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That would be his penis.

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That means its a male turtle.unfortunately I read on some site that if it leaves it out prolonged periods of time it could mean health problems.

http://www.sulcata-station.org/faq.html#.

Go to that site to find out more info.

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Seriously. I just have no idea why people don't do some research before buying pets.

You DO know that sulcatas get big enough to sit on, right? They're not like box turtles and stay about a foot long all their life. They also live longer than most humans.

And your new tortoise is a MALE.

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it could be an internal parasite like a worm or she could be a he. Have her re-sexed.