Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had a SL Star tort for over a year now. I got her has a yearling, and she has done extremeley well for me... put on good size, excellent shell, etc. I moved her outside for the summer, and brought her back in about a month ago.

One thing I changed about her cages over the summer was switching the substrate from newspaper to potting soil... other than that everything else is the same - waterland tub w/ 160watt sodium bulb.

Just yesterday, I noticed that she had a running nose and some minor wheezing / popping, and was blowing the occasional bubble. I'm wondering if the potting soil has anything to do with it? It is totally dry, so I don't think it is too much humidity (although it probably holds more than newspaper), but am thinking that maybe it is acting as in irritant...?

What do you do with a sick tortoise? I've taken away the hide so that she will bask all day and get keep her temp up. Should I switch back to paper substrate? Can a vet do anything?

Dust can cause respiratory infection in reptiles. A Vet can help as meds are needed in most cases. The longer you wait the harder it is to cure. If it is still eating you have a good chanch of turning it around. Good luck. Vic

Vic is right. Certain species of tortoise are little affected by dust, but others are extremely prone to infection by it, stars being among them from what I've read. Take the guy to the vet and try using newspaper from now on. I've also seen keepers use woodchips with this species to good effect.

T.G.