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Tortoise Treated By Vet After Swallowing Sea Turtle Charm

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A South Florida veterinarian got quite a surprise Monday morning when the owner of a tortoise brought her beloved pet to his office to be checked out.

The tortoise, named Lola, was brought in because he was constipated but it was more than just that. The tortoise had actually swallowed a charm with a unique shape.

Turtle xray2
Sea turtle charm swallowed by a Tortoise as seen in an x-ray. (Source: Avian & Exotic Animal Medical Center)

Dr. Don Harris told CBSMiami.com that when reptiles come into his office constipated, they go straight to x-ray. After Lola was x-rayed, the techs told him, 'You're not going to believe this!'

"I thought the techs were playing a joke on me," said Dr. Harris. "Somewhere along the way, this tortoise swallowed a charmed shaped like a sea turtle."

turtle
Lola the Tortoise, which swallowed a sea turtle charm. Sea turtle charm swallowed by a Tortoise as seen in an x-ray. (Source: Avian & Exotic Animal Medical Center)

Lola is being treated at the vet's office with enemas and laxatives in hopes he'll pass the charm on her own.

Dr. Harris said they are keeping a close eye on her over concern the charm might contain lead or another contaminant that might make her sick but so far, he's acting well.

Lola is a Sulcata Tortoise, also known as a Spur-Thighed Tortoise.

Lola is about 10 years old.

Turtle2
Lola the Tortoise, which swallowed a sea turtle charm. Sea turtle charm swallowed by a Tortoise as seen in an x-ray. (Source: Avian & Exotic Animal Medical Center)

If Lola doesn't pass the sea turtle charm on her own, he may have to be taken to the Keys Turtle Hospital for extrication of the charm.

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