Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I got a "used" 5 ound leopard in November and he has been doing great. Just recently I have been letting him spend time with my 2 year leopard. Last week I noticed his eyes watering and a bit of a wet nose. Of course I immediatly seperated them. Is my only option to go to the vet? And, do I assume that my other tort is infected? I cannot imagine my small one does not have it as well since they have been together.

My young one had this @ six months old and my vet gave me meds and said to increase heat. I have not had a problem since. About two months ago I moved them both downstairs to a new larger enclosure, and have been unsure that I have kept it warm enough - especially at night when lights are off. Can increase heat cure this or only prevent is once I get rid of it.

How do you give meds to a 5 pound tort? He seems way too strong to force his mouth open?

Thanks, Ben

I would definetely invest in a thermometer. Home depot has really good digitals for temp and humidity (also very important) for about $40 canadian. I'm sure they're way cheaper in the states. Make sure the husbandry is good, raise the temps, have a real good basking spot and you can buy yourself a few days to see if this blows over (assuming it has only been present for a day or two). If this doesn't work you need to proceed to the vet.

As per giving meds to a larger tortoise, try hiding it in a favorite fruit snake (banana) and watch it go down. I just hope your tort. is still eating; another reason for quick action

Good luck!

Thanks for your reply. I have all the heat lamps, I have most of the floor heated as well - and I have several thermometers, and the heaters are on thermostates and timmers.

I think that I just have not had this tortoise long enough to know what kind of heat it needs - it simply might need more heat!

The only way I have to increase heat is to get more infrared heaters. I do not want to keep the floor heating on longer because it might get too hot. I will keep a very close eye on it however.

By the way, he is still eating great and is very active.

Ben

If the environmental conditions are proper for your animals, chances are the symptoms are products of some pathogen.

If the animal that is symptomatic now is the same one that was sick earlier, it may be the case he has had a latent but asymptomatic infection all this time. Mycoplasmoid infections in particular tend to cause observable sickness in fits and bursts. These fits are usually coincident with the introduction of an even mild stressor, and the introduction of a new animal and the corresponding competition for space and food may qualify as such a stressor. Very specific lab tests need to be used to determine the presence of mycoplasmoids, however, and it may or may not be worthwhile to pay for that test.

You will need to start a course of antibiotics if your vet believes so. S/he may want to culture to see what the infectious agent is, but whatever it may be, the treatment will likely be the same. Injected antibiotics. The vet will recommed the heat be turned up to increase metabolism of the antibiotic, reducing the risk of renal damage.

Finally, be sure to tell your vet that the symptomatic animal was exposed to another of the same species. As a precaution S/he will likely recommend a course for the seemingly healthy animal as well.

Unfortunately, the infection will not likely go away on its own. But with quick and aggressive treatment, your animals will likely be ok.

Best of luck,
scott

Great advice. The tort that is showing the symptoms is not the one that had it last time. It is the new one. Why injected antibiotics vs. ones I can put in his food? I can easily hide it in a cactus pad.

Ben

All antibiotics can lead to "sterile gut", wherein the bacteria in the GI tract that helps in metabolizing food is killed off. The result is GI distress. I would suspect oral antibiotics may make this worse, though I am not sure. A vet would know.

Its easier to dose with injectables, and you dont have to worry about the animal not eating all of it.

Most importantly, to my knowledge, the most aggressive treatement, Baytril, comes in a sterile dillutant and has to be injected. But your vet may not think you need baytril. But check with your vet. But be sure s/he is experienced in dealing with herps.

good luck!