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An 82-Year-Old Tortoise from Cornwall Undergoes Major Surgery to Remove a Bladder Stone ‘Bigger Than a Tennis Ball.’ A Harrowing Operation and a Remarkable Tale of Survival

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Joey recovering after the surgery next to her huge bladder stone.

An 82-year-old tortoise from Cornwall has undergone major surgery to remove a bladder stone “bigger than a Tennis ball”.

Joey the tortoise needed the expertise of two veterinary surgeons to safely remove the 150g mass through her shell.

A large bladder stone is in the palm of a surgeons had for scale. They are wearing a blue rubber glove.

The bladder stone with a hand for scale.

Pas Medina, an advanced exotic Pet practitioner, offered his support to Viliam hoping to get Joey back to full Health as soon as possible.

A tortoise is receiving surgery.

A large hole was cut on the underside of Joey’s shell.

Pas added: “There are several challenges associated with this surgery and with reptile anaesthetic. These Animals’ metabolism is very slow and dependent on the external temperature.

a tortoise is on its back after surgery with a large white circle of fiberglass covering their belly

Joey after the fiberglass has been applied to her shell

While the stone could have been growing inside Joey for years, or even decades, it can be difficult to assess whether tortoises are in pain or not.

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