Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,
I took my female to the vet- they said she is getting an accute respiratory problem. And would oder meds-

First- I have only had her less than a month- which means, I bought her with this problem. I notified the geltleman that I bought her from

Second- she has been hanging out with the male- no signs yet.

Third- she has only blown bubble once- but has made a sneezing sound before. she eats, and loves to run around outside like there is no problem.

I just want to know what I should do to help her out untill this meds come in. I need to know what meds the vet is ordering, plus what about the male possibly being exposed. Also, I have her is a 20 gallon on news paper with a hide box, and heat lamp at one end.
Should I continue to take her outside for the sun? I am angered that hte guy would sell her sick with a clean bill of health. Also, She is awesome and I want to give her the best care through this.
Any and all help would be nice.
Thank you,
TQ

Not to belittle the quality of the sale, but this is a very common scenario. Turtle suppliers typically keep animals in groups and when one animals is stressed and becomes sick, the others are likely to follow. It is not always readily visable so the seller could have easily not noticed.

So with that said, you should separate the two animals. If the male isn't sick, he should not be next to her. This is usually why people advise a quarantine period for new animals, to make sure they are well and won't pass on anything.

The med from the vet will likely be Baytril given either orally or via shots (needle). If your tort is active but only blowing one bubble so far, it sounds like a mild case. She'll likely do well in treatment.

Keep feeding, keep up the sun, make sure the environment is warm to not compromise the illness. Also keep an eye on the male. If he shows any similar signs, you will want to treat him too.

Good luck.

Paul

Pual,
I understand of not being able to tell- I did not at first, I emailed just to let him know, so he could treat the rest of his stars. The male shows no signs, but should I treat him too?
I know, I should have kept them apart for longer, but she seemed ok- Next time I know better.

I do thank you for the info.
TQ

Truthfully, I'd keep them apart and monitor him. See if he shows any signs. You should know by the time her treatment is through (2-3 weeks).

I've done this myself so don't kick yourself. Sounds like a mild infection so you should be good in no time.

Paul

Paul,
Vet called back and its has not hit her lungs yet- So we started shots of baytril.
Then, she pooped out a clump of worms- which turned out to be hook worms- so both are on panacure.
I have them seperated, on news print, with spot lamp and power compacts. They are in their own rubbermaid to watch. I wont put him on timothy hay untill 2 weeks or all the worms are out. Now after her treatment is done, and he does not show any signs of infections,(vet gave an all clear on him, but not for the worms) I should wait till 6 months till put them to center, or sooner- What foods should I bee feeding them durring treatments?
TQ

Feed her a combo of Mazuri tortoise mix (soaked first), dandelions, and chopped up pieces of opuntia cactus. Star's are primarily grassland torts so the Mazuri will provide the fiber, the cactus will provide high calcium, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Good luck they are hardier than people make them out to be.

I thought Mazuri was bad for them? She gets alot of dandilions from the yeard- she ans well as the male hates the catus. I dust with mineral.
They are harder than most people make them out to be.

Baytril will do the trick, then keep her warm and dry. Emphasis on the dry. Keep humidity level below 35%. 15-25% is best. Star's are just like Leopards. Humidity gives them respiratory problems like clockwork. Also, don't let the temp at night drop below 72-75 degrees.

cThanks for the info, She is being kept really dry- she has not poked her head out yet since her first shot-I will take her outside every day for a half hour or so of sunlight and warm heat.