Friday 27 June 2014

Bristol Zoo giant tortoise treated for 'sinusitis'

24 June 2014 Last updated at 15:33


A giant tortoise has been checked in to an on-site clinic at Bristol Zoo after developing the symptoms of sinusitis.

Helen, a 90kg (14 stone) tortoise, was given a health check after keepers noticed her unusual breathing.

Staff vet Richard Saunders said: "The whistling, raspy breathing in her nose could be heard from several feet away, so we took samples under anaesthetic."

The 32-year-old tortoise, described as a "good patient" by Mr Saunders, is currently on a course of antibiotics.

Helen is an Aldabran giant tortoise - a species classified as "vulnerable" - and has been at Bristol Zoo for 11 years.

But after developing a nasal infection, the tortoise had to take a trip to the vet for a nasal flush, tests under anaesthetic and a course of antibiotics.

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