Unfortunately, tortoises are, like any other animal, subject to a number of diseases. Many of the diseases and illnesses which used to be a problem for tortoises are now in decline, thanks to improved knowledge and better husbandry techniques. Three tips to keeping your tortoise healthy are:

- Never mix different species (or sub-species) of tortoise together in one enclosure. New tortoises of the same species should be quarantined for six months before joining an existing group of the same species.

- Always find out the appropriate diet and living conditions for your particular species of tortoise, turtle or terrapin. Incorrect diet or the wrong heating/humidity are killers.

- Never hibernate a tortoise which is underweight, or is showing any sign of illness at all.

If the un thinkable does happen and your tortoise shows any signs of distress or illness, it is important to seek help from a qualified vet as soon as possible. In a pinch, any vet is better than no vet, but it is best to take your tortoise to a vet who has experience and a special interest in dealing with tortoises.

Below is a list of some vets we are aware of who are happy to see tortoises. This list is compiled from friends, aquintances, and input from this website, and we cannot therefore guarantee the accuracy of this information, although we do make every effort to keep it up to date. If you know of any errors or problems with vets listed here, please contact us via e-mail. If you know of any good tortoise vets who we can add to this page, please let us know and we will add it on to our list.

STUART MCARTHUR
HOLLY HOUSE VETS
468 STREET LANE
MOORTOWN
LEEDS
YORKSHIRE
TEL: 0113 236 9030

THE '608' VETERINARY GROUP
139 WESTLEY ROAD
ACOCKS GREEN
BIRMINGHAM
TEL: 0121 7061870

BARONS COURT
2 COMERAGH ROAD
LONDON
W14 9HP
TEL: 02073859911

PETS NATURALLY
12 FRIARSWOOD ROAD
NEWCASTLE UNDER LYME
STAFFORDSHIRE
ST5 2EG
TEL: 01782 615698