Tortoises don’t get “colds” per se , as we do, which are usually caused by rhinoviruses in humans. However, the symptoms of a respiratory infection in a tortoise can start with a runny nose. Some tortoises normally have a bit of a bubbly secretion in the corners of the eyes.
What to do if your tortoise has a cold?
Your vet may administer an antibiotic via injection to counteract the infection, and you may need to give nasal drops to your tortoises as well. Nursing care, such as wiping away any nasal discharge is important too.
Why is my tortoise blowing bubbles from his nose?
Upper Respiratory Tract Disease , often abbreviated as URTD or URP, is a common condition in Sonoran desert tortoises. Some tortoises may have bubbles blow out their nose and some may make whistling sounds, clicks, or even gurgles. ...
What are the signs of a sick tortoise?
Be on the lookout for common symptoms associated with illness in a tortoise, including runny nose, labored breathing , sunken eyes or swollen eyelids, loose stools, loss of appetite, listlessness, swollen body tissues, prominent bones (in head or limbs), soft shell, noticeable weight loss or gain in a short period of ...
Why is my tortoise sneezing?
Every once-in-a-while, your turtle or tortoise may sneeze. Generally, this is nothing to worry about and may be a result of food or substrate irritating the animal’s airways . It can in fact be incredibly cute!
How do I know if my tortoise has a respiratory infection?
Turtles with respiratory infections may have excess mucus in their mouths (seen as bubbles in the mouth, nose, and eyes), nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, wheezing, extension of the neck to breathe, and open-mouth breathing or gasping.
Do tortoises need a heat lamp at night?
Does a tortoise need a heat lamp at night? In most cases, overnight heating will not be required for your tortoise , unless the room temperature gets too cold. If this is the case, it may be better to use heating so that a temperature of around 15-18°C (60-65°F) can be maintained overnight.
What do you do when your tortoise has a runny nose?
It is best treated with doxycycline , which should be prescribed and administered by a qualified herp veterinarian. Other organisms can also cause repiratory infections, so it is best to find a vet who can help with the diagnostic process and treatment.
Can tortoises hear you?
There is a common misconception that tortoises are completely deaf. This is not true. Your tortoise can certainly hear you but it’s not how we are used to hearing . In fact, it is far more likely they can feel the vibrations when you talk and this is especially true for people with deeper voices.
Why does my tortoise open its mouth?
There are many reasons why your turtle could have their mouth open. Some of the most common reasons include eating, uncomfortable living conditions, hunger, aggression, and respiratory infection .
How do I know if my tortoise is dehydrated?
- Reduced, thickened, or whitish urine.
- Dry faeces.
- Dry, loose and flaky skin.
- Sunken or watery eyes.
- Loss of appetite.
- Weight loss.
- Lethargy, depression, lack of activity.
- Thick, ropey mouth mucus.
How do I know if my tortoise is pyramiding?
The early signs of pyramiding in tortoises include the vertical growth of individual scutes and abnormal overgrowth of the shell . Scutes are the polygonal-shaped plates or individual segments that make up a tortoise’s shell.
Do tortoises like being touched?
The short answer. The short answer is that yes , in many cases tortoises do like their shells to be scratched or petted. ... Just like some people like to hug their friends and other people don’t like hugs, some tortoises really enjoy having their shells scratched and other tortoises don’t like it so much.
How do you treat a respiratory infection in a turtle at home?
Sometimes, just increasing the temperature in the enclosure will make your turtle feel better until it can be seen by a vet. 2 Increasing the humidity is also helpful in loosening up any debris in your turtle’s respiratory tract, just like a humidifier or vaporizer helps you when you have a cold.
Does a tortoise sneeze?
They sneeze! They can sneeze just once , and they can sneeze many times in a row, just like people can. ... But when tortoises sneeze it is way scarier because they can’t tell their mama (that being me) why they are sneezing or what they need to make it stop.
Why is my tortoise coughing?
Yes, a tortoise can cough. This is sometimes a sign of choking . A coughing tortoise may also have an upper respiratory infection. If the cough is accompanied by foamy discharge from the nose or mouth, or there are signs of runny eyes, this is most likely an illness and not choking.
