Severe infections need urgent veterinary treatment. Regular beak maintenance is important to prevent stomatitis. Some forms are caused by a herpes-group virus. Mixed colonies are much more at risk than small same-species groups maintained in isolation. Treatment is prolonged and often the prognosis is poor.
Symptoms are intense diarrhoea, often with undigested food being passed.
Often follows a severe flagellate infection. It is an indication that beneficial bacteria in the intestinal system have for some reason been eliminated or reduced. Remedies include feeding Benebac with food, live natural yoghurt or screened droppings from a healthy tortoise of the same species. Consult your vet about treatment if you are unsure about this. Ticks can be removed manually - coat with alcohol or vaseline, turn on its back to loosen its grip and pull off.