Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I just came back from vacation & found my 3-toed has a respiratory infection of some sort. She has clear mucus slightly near her mouth & the occasional mucus bubble from her nostrils.
Occasionally, she'll open her mouth slightly to take air in to breathe.
Her eyes seem fine when I pick her up. Though when she is alone, she tends to close them & puts her neck down on the ground. Perhaps it is the beginning of the eye lids beginning to swell?

Anyone know which infection this is and how she may have caught it whilst I was away? What can I do to treat it? I phoned my vet but it turns out the reptile expert has left that office & they do not have another reptile vet anywhere near where I live.

Please advise me as to what I can do to help her immediately; I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks!

These problems can take a long time to show symtoms, so you may never know exactly what caused it.
I would suggest that you get back in contact with your vet's office, and either have them contact the herp specialist who has left or check their records or other literature for more information. Your turtle will probably need antibiotics, and your vet ought to be able to find out proper dosage etc.,by doing a little research.
There is also something called V.I.N. that they may have access to (veterinary information network).
Treating your turtle for this particular problem should not be beyond the capabilities of a regular vet.
Good luck,
Stephanie

I had a female 3-toe boxie developed a URI last year right before brumation time, she was the most severe case I've ever had to treat but she pulled through in 2 weeks with a basking temp of 85-90*F and a cool side temp of about 75*F and soaking in warm water for 10 minutes a day with a couple drops of Turtle Eye which is just vitamin A water, if you know what your doing it's rather simple to self vet but if you dont think you can do it listen to steph and go to the vet! Good Luck.
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If she's inside, find a way to boost the heat slightly so that she can bask: turtles will do this when ill, possibly in an effort to induce a fever to fight the infection.
If she's outside, a flat rock in a sunny spot might be a good basking place.
Stephanie