A bizarre incident unfolded in Surat's Bhestan area on Wednesday when a one-year-old child playing with a pet tortoise ended up with a bite on his cheek. The seemingly unprovoked attack left parents Rajubhai Goge and his wife bewildered, prompting a trip to the nearby Navi Civil Hospital for medical attention.
According to reports, Goge, a migrant laborer from Maharashtra residing in Sangam Society, discovered the slow-moving reptile near his house during an evening stroll with his son Khandu. Intrigued, they decided to adopt the tortoise as a pet. However, things took an unexpected turn the next day when the usually docile creature clamped down on Khandu's right cheek while he was playing with it.
Startled by the incident, the parents rushed Khandu to the hospital, fearing potential infection or harm. Fortunately, Dr. Khushboo Chaudhary of the Pediatrics Department assured them that turtle bites typically pose no significant risk. Unlike dogs and cats, turtles lack rabies and generally exhibit docile behavior.
"Turtles are non-venomous," explained Dr. Chaudhary. "While the bite might cause minor discomfort, it rarely leads to bleeding, swelling, or toxic effects. As a precaution, we advised keeping Khandu under observation for 24 hours, but there's no need for antidotes or heavy vaccinations."
The incident serves as a reminder that even seemingly harmless creatures can exhibit unpredictable behavior. While keeping exotic pets like turtles can be fascinating, it's crucial to prioritize safety and understand their potential instincts.
