Ya know anytime people have a collared that has his eyes closed and you notice watery or crust or deep breathing, usually you will find that they have a bacterial/resp infection. Yes try doing that on the tail. I'm just curious
And for sure keep this boy by himself. I also would kick up his heat while sick, and keep a low watt heat on him through the night as well while sick. ALSO remember while on antibiotics they can dehydrate even more so. so make sure you get those fluids in him.

Glad ya got him to the Vet, nice going Guy
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PHEve / Eve