Editor’s Note: The juvenile gopher tortoise is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of the patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect all of our wildlife. Read previous cases here.
While any wound could introduce bacteria into the body, significant injuries—particularly those caused by a bite—are prone to infection. To reduce that risk, the tortoise is being treated with antibiotics, and its wounds are routinely flushed and cleaned.
There are many topical antiseptics that CROW’s veterinary staff uses; a stronger antiseptic like betadine is applied to more serious puncture wounds, while others are slathered in silver honey. Silver honey is a common all-natural solution in the veterinary world, as it both protects against infection and facilitates wound healing.
Because tortoises have feelings in their shells, this injury is likely excruciating for the patient. CROW’s staff will administer pain medication to keep the patient as comfortable as possible while its wounds heal.
The tortoise also spends time grazing outdoors several times a week — a practice that provides both physical therapy and mental enrichment. Grazing allows the tortoise to roam in a natural setting, where it can soak up direct sunlight (important for shell and bone health), forage on wild native plants, and engage in natural behaviors like walking, digging, and exploring. This helps maintain mobility, stimulate appetite, and support overall recovery.
Since 2013, CROW has seen nearly 4,000 victims of dog and cat attacks. Many were vulnerable infant or juvenile animals, too inexperienced to escape predators. To help protect both wildlife and pets, CROW encourages keeping cats indoors and walking dogs on a leash — it reduces the risk of injury, disease, and unfortunate encounters with native animals.