Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've noticed in the last couple of days that my Phayrei is blowing some bubbles from his nose. I plan to get him to the vet on Saturday, but wanted to inquire about colds and resp infections here first.

His pen/table, at the time I noticed the bubbles, was is my garage, and was being heated to the low 70's - mid 80's depending on the time of day and location in the pen. I've since moved the table indoors next to a window, and have kept the ambient temp a bit higher... 80's.

He has been eating really well, and moving around.. All his normal behavior seems okay. He does go into his water bowl and dunk his head which is the only "new" thing I've noticed. The bubbles also seem to show up more when he is not basking, or on the warm end of the pen.

I'm just curious to know what differences there are between a cold and resp infection, and if there is a simple way to tell.

Thanks!
-Kory

Kory,In my collection of all ages I have found respratory illness from cool temps. very rare to none.But staying cold for days on end you could have it.They will sometimes have eye and nose discarge from being to dry.Cold and dry together for several days can be very unhealthy.If this animal has started out week it might get sick faster than a very healthy phayrei would.SOMETIMES just warming them up is all they need.Place it in a pan of shallow warm water every day.You should be able to see it drink.If not things could be bad.If it eats,thats a good sign that it will be ok if things change, ie, H2O, Humidity,soaking,higher temps.Dust free enviroment.Look for a throbbing neck with the head up,and wide open eyes.If it doesnt do that,its to the Vet.After treatment dont forget to get the gut flora back.Good Luck.Vic

Hey Vic!

I'm thinking along the same lines... Too cold and dry of air for a few too many days. He seems to be better in the house, but there is still a bit of percolating when he breathes really deep or tucks into his shell causing a deep exhale.

Thanks for the info. If the vet finds something and wants to give him a shot or medication should I refuse and get your opinion first? I've never had to take any of my reptiles to a vet and have heard plenty of horror stories.

-Kory

If you go to a Vet do what they say,otherwise dont go.Its a tuff call,but you cant do nothing.If you can warm it up and if it eats good and does what I explaned before,then you might make on your own.You dont want a cronicly ill tortoise,they are short lived.Its always hard to spend more than the animals value,but you have to be able to live with yourself.Do what you think is right for you.Of cource my consultant fees are big bucks too.LOL vic

I completely agree with you Vic, and spending the money is not an issue at all. My biggest hang up is not knowing that what a vet does is always best, and seeking the knowledge of experts that may have been through this before brings piece of mind.

I looked up some info on resp infections on the net and found that they will probably give me some nose drops to administer for a week or so. This seems easy enough. I've mostly been concerned about injections of something that might be too strong due to a hasty decision that the tortoise has something worse than it might really be. I don't want to play things up or down.

Anyway, he was doing really well last night. I had our central heat cranked up, and a space heater in the room he's currently in. He ate a whole lot and drank a whole lot as well. The room was in the mid 80's. His breathing was as you described... Pulsating throat, head up, and eyes alert and open. He kind of "sneezed" a couple of times, but overall there was little or no sign of bubbles!!

Thanks again for helping me out, and I'll keep you posted if you like. He'll be heading to the vet at 10am tomorrow, wish him luck!!

-Kory