Reptile & Amphibian Forums

One of my desert tortoise has some gurgling and bubbles coming out of it's nose. It's still eating but not as well as it was. Is it possible that these symptoms can go away on it's own, without medication?

If not, what is the typical treatment for this by a vet? what meds?

any feedback would be appreciated.

Mike

Your vet will likely prescribe an antibiotic, Baytril or something similar, which should clear the infection right up. I wouldn't wait in hopes of it clearing up on its own. It shouldn't be an expensive vet visit, probably only around $40 or $50.

Definitely dont wait. They will probably prescribe Baytril. My vet here charges 20 for the visit and 18 for meds.
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TurtsandTorts Discussion Group
3 Russians (Harley, Marley, and Freckles)
2 RES (Sunny and Fatty)
2 Gerbils (Sydney and Vienna)
1 Cat (Abby)
1 Dog (Polly)

Your vet will probably discuss diagnostics that are available to assist in the proper treatment of your tortoise. I would seriously consider a culture and sensitivity (finds out the pathogen and what it is susceptable too), in case the initial antibiotic treatment doesn't work. After the exam, the vet will know if this is sufficient, or if your turtle is sick enough to justify bloodwork to see the effects elsewhere in the body.

Perfect your husbandry while waiting for your vet appointment, and thereafter. Often winter will cool your tort's enough to decrease their immune system without you knowing.

Good luck
Ian

Also bring a fecal sample in. With my greek tortoise she would get a bubbling nose, and she was always found to have worms when she had a bubbly nose. I think when they have a heavy parasite infestation it can weaken their immune system and leave them suspetable to getting a respitory infection. My vet always dewormed her and put her on a course of baytril. After the second time I just did fecals more often on her while she was outdoors.