Sulcata mycoplasma positive

JacobK · Apr 11, 2024

My baby Sulcata Charlie has tested positive for Mycoplasma according to my vet, sample had been sent off to the Florida lab that is apparently best in the nation for tortoise tests. While we waited for the results they had me giving Charlie a shot of Ceftazidime every 3 days for 2 weeks. All signs of RI have gone away, no more nose bubbles. His appetite is still great. He seems to be active and happy.

The vet is now urging me to come back in for a run of another anti biotic to address the Mycoplasma.. but I have read that it cannot be cured. Should I go back and put him through another run of anti biotics?? or just keep up with correct husbandry and hope he is ok?

Yvonne G · Apr 11, 2024

It's totally up to you, but I wouldn't. Like you already know, they haven't yet figured out how to kill mycoplasma, so I would think any further antibiotics would be useless. The symptoms go away but he's not cured, and any stress might cause a flare up. But he can live a perfectly normal life. I wonder where the baby was exposed.

TammyJ · Apr 11, 2024

Hi. I am sorry your little tortoise has this problem. If he was mine, I would definitely not put him through any more useless, harsh, painful treatment than he had already endured and survived so far. As Yvonne says, he can live a normal life anyway. Of course, with the correct husbandry that you provide.

JacobK · Apr 11, 2024

He was being sold at a street marking downtown la alongside Guinea pigs, bird & and aquatic turtles all of which didn’t look too healthy

Yvonne G · Apr 11, 2024

He will always have to be an 'only child.' And if you ever get another tortoise use extreme caution and sanitizing when working between tortoises.

dd33 · Apr 11, 2024

JacobK said:
My baby Sulcata Charlie has tested positive for Mycoplasma according to my vet, sample had been sent off to the Florida lab that is apparently best in the nation for tortoise tests. While we waited for the results they had me giving Charlie a shot of Ceftazidime every 3 days for 2 weeks. All signs of RI have gone away, no more nose bubbles. His appetite is still great. He seems to be active and happy.

The vet is now urging me to come back in for a run of another anti biotic to address the Mycoplasma.. but I have read that it cannot be cured. Should I go back and put him through another run of anti biotics?? or just keep up with correct husbandry and hope he is ok?

Can you share who your vet was? I am impressed that they sent samples off to a lab rather than giving you a generic diagnosis of respiratory infection.

Any chance you know what type of testing was performed? Did they just screen for Myco or did they actually determine what species your animal has?

This is an interesting read on Mycoplasma in tortoises: https://newcms.eventkaddy.net/event...RNasalDischargeinTortoises_20150512213127.pdf

@Yvonne G is right, this tortoise will need to be in a one tortoise household for the rest of his life. If he gets stressed in the future it will likely need to be treated again.

JacobK · Apr 12, 2024

dd33 said:
Can you share who your vet was? I am impressed that they sent samples off to a lab rather than giving you a generic diagnosis of respiratory infection.

Any chance you know what type of testing was performed? Did they just screen for Myco or did they actually determine what species your animal has?

This is an interesting read on Mycoplasma in tortoises: https://newcms.eventkaddy.net/event...RNasalDischargeinTortoises_20150512213127.pdf

@Yvonne G is right, this tortoise will need to be in a one tortoise household for the rest of his life. If he gets stressed in the future it will likely need to be treated again.

Exotic Animal Veterinart Center, in Pasadena CA. at 171 N Altadena Drive STE 120.
Dr. Labrecque.
I was happy with the care they gave. The nurse owns a 10 year old Sulcata herself and the Dr. also seemed to thoroughly know proper care for Sulcatas as well. She sent off a Chelonian Respiratory Disease Panel that's all I know. Upon follow up with her on the phone she recommended that if Charlie is eating well and active we don't treat him any further and hope he stays healthy.
Thanks everyone for the advice glad I did not rush him back in.

Sulcata mycoplasma positive

JacobK

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Yvonne G

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TammyJ

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JacobK

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Yvonne G

Old Timer

dd33

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JacobK

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