Hi everyone

[Carol]

We were given a fifteen year old Russian in May of 2006. His name is Sloski (yeah, I know...very original). He is healthy and iinteractive, but from time to time his breathing is noisy, like he has something up his nose. The reptile vet gave him a thorough exam and says that he is fine, but I was wondering if anyone knows what would cause this if it is NOT a respiratory problem. Thanks.

[jlyoncc1]

What type of substrate do you have him in? Maybe that has something to do with it. Welcome to the forum!

[josh]

welcome to TFO, carol!

[Coldliz]

Welcome

[Crazy1]

Welcome Carol I also would ask first what substrate do you have him on?

[Carol]

Crazy1 Wrote:Welcome Carol I also would ask first what substrate do you have him on?

I use reclaimed pulp for his bedding. I realize that this is not ideal , but he is indoors and it has worked OK so far.

[josh]

carol, i'm not exactly sure where reclaimed pulp comes from or how it is produced but it may potentially be contributing to any respiratory distress your tort is experiencing.
do they use any chemicals in the production of the pulp?

[Carol]

The information on the package says that this product is free of inks, dyes, clay and chemicals, and is processed to remove harmful aromatic hydrocarbons. It also says that it is tested for contaminants and sanitized to reduce bacteria, mold and fungus. What's puzzling to me is that the problem he has is intermittant.

[emysemys]

We can't know for sure, but it is my (humble) opinion that the substrate is causing his problem. Reclaimed paper pulp is very dusty, and you can't wet it down to curtail the dust. If you don't want to use a different substrate, try putting him on paper towells or newspaper for a while and see if the problem persists.

Buy a small container of normal saline solution and a small squeeze bottle. Put some saline in the bottle and squirt it in each of the tortoise's nares.

Yvonne

[Carol]

emysemys@pacbell.net Wrote:We can't know for sure, but it is my (humble) opinion that the substrate is causing his problem. Reclaimed paper pulp is very dusty, and you can't wet it down to curtail the dust. If you don't want to use a different substrate, try putting him on paper towells or newspaper for a while and see if the problem persists.

Buy a small container of normal saline solution and a small squeeze bottle. Put some saline in the bottle and squirt it in each of the tortoise's nares.

Yvonne

Thanks, Yvonne, I'll give it a try.

[jenrell23]

Hello and welcome to TFO, you could also try aspen, that is what I keep my russians on when they are inside, works great for them and easy to clean.

[Jacqui]

Welcome! Changing the substrate will help show if that is his problem or it it is something else. You said it's not consistent. How often does it happen? When it happens does it last for awhile or is this more just an isolate wheeze or two?

[Carol]

Jacqui Wrote:Welcome! Changing the substrate will help show if that is his problem or it it is something else. You said it's not consistent. How often does it happen? When it happens does it last for awhile or is this more just an isolate wheeze or two?

The noise will be audible for a time, then I won't hear it for awhile The substrate that I am using came recommended by a pet store owner. I assumed that she wouldn't have suggested it if it was at all problematic. I am thinking now that I might try the aspen to see if it makes a difference.

[Jacqui]

Sometimes pet shops, and even vets, don't have all the knowledge we might wish for them to have. Lucky for you, you have found a great tortoise specialty site and we love to give out thoughts and ideas. Then you get the fun of wading thru them all, deciding what might work for you and giving it a try. Might take a bit of trying before you find something that "fits" your needs and your tort's needs.

[Coldliz]

Hello Carol, welcome to the forum!