respiratory infection?

Megang97

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Hello,

My 2-3 year old Hermanns made a strange noise tonight. It may be nothing but it was a puffing sound, he did it about 3 times prior to falling asleep.

His nose is clear but there was one little bubble shortly after before he dozed off. His nose is now clear and there’s no bubbles, it just looks normal.

about an hour beforehand he was in his water dish and had a bite to eat (which I spray with water). Would it be due to this maybe? I normally get him too when spray his substrate which he seems to enjoy anyway.

his basking area is 34 degrees and cold end of his enclosure is around 22-24 degrees. He spends most of his day in the warmer end. He had a humid hide and his temps all seem okay (to me - if they’re not, please advise!)

I’m not 100% on night temps but when I wake up his thermometer says around 16 degrees, sometimes a little higher. Would it be worth getting a heat emitter?
 

method89

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cold end is too cold... 27 degrees minimium..
 
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method89

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Please post pictures of your setup and lighting.

Sounds like it COULD be, but too little info to make a real diagnosis
 

Megang97

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Please post pictures of your setup and lighting.

Sounds like it COULD be, but too little info to make a real diagnosis

hello, I’ll do it in the morning if that’s okay? It’s late here and he’s sleeping right now? (it’ll be too dark without his lamps back on to get a good picture).

he’s got coco noir substrate, his humidity is around 60%. He also has a basking bulb with is a combi bulb, so heat and UV - I’m going to be getting him separate ones soon.

it wasn’t a squeaking sound or anything, just sounded like a puff of air - apparently it may have even been a fart? but it’s the bubble I’m concerned about. It may be nothing. I’d rather be sure☺
 

Tom

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Hello,

My 2-3 year old Hermanns made a strange noise tonight. It may be nothing but it was a puffing sound, he did it about 3 times prior to falling asleep.

His nose is clear but there was one little bubble shortly after before he dozed off. His nose is now clear and there’s no bubbles, it just looks normal.

about an hour beforehand he was in his water dish and had a bite to eat (which I spray with water). Would it be due to this maybe? I normally get him too when spray his substrate which he seems to enjoy anyway.

his basking area is 34 degrees and cold end of his enclosure is around 22-24 degrees. He spends most of his day in the warmer end. He had a humid hide and his temps all seem okay (to me - if they’re not, please advise!)

I’m not 100% on night temps but when I wake up his thermometer says around 16 degrees, sometimes a little higher. Would it be worth getting a heat emitter?
If this was a one time thing, possibly due to eating the wet food, and all else is normal, I wouldn't worry about it or do anything different. If you see any sign of a RI a second time, then I'd warm up the night temp with a CHE on a thermostat and lower the basking bulb just a little bit.
 

Maggie3fan

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okay, thank you! Noted. Any tips for getting the cold end warmer?

does it sound like a respiratory infection??
It sounds to me more like the food sprayed with water, and he ate and his nares are connected to the top or back of his mouth. So at times they can blow a bubble that means nothing. If he's not acting sick, still eating etc, stop looking for trouble where there is none. Except that 27 degrees is Celsius in the UK and a whole different animal. 27 celcius I'm thinking.
 

Megang97

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It sounds to me more like the food sprayed with water, and he ate and his nares are connected to the top or back of his mouth. So at times they can blow a bubble that means nothing. If he's not acting sick, still eating etc, stop looking for trouble where there is none. Except that 27 degrees is Celsius in the UK and a whole different animal. 27 celcius I'm thinking.

Thank you, he’s been completely normal and himself but I’m keeping an eye on it today too. Any changes and I’ll be taking him to the vet☺️ Fingers crossed it was a one time thing!
 

Megang97

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If this was a one time thing, possibly due to eating the wet food, and all else is normal, I wouldn't worry about it or do anything different. If you see any sign of a RI a second time, then I'd warm up the night temp with a CHE on a thermostat and lower the basking bulb just a little bit.

thank you! I’ll keep an eye on him today and keep you all updated☺️
I’m going to be getting him a ceramic bulb anyway for overnight as the temps are meant to be dropping in the next couple of days! Would you say around 20 degrees overnight for my little one? Ideally?
 

Tom

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thank you! I’ll keep an eye on him today and keep you all updated☺
I’m going to be getting him a ceramic bulb anyway for overnight as the temps are meant to be dropping in the next couple of days! Would you say around 20 degrees overnight for my little one? Ideally?
I like 20-21 for an over night low for little ones.

Cool end 23-24 during the day, but this is flexible as long as they can and do warm up under the basking bulb.
 

Megang97

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I like 20-21 for an over night low for little ones.

Cool end 23-24 during the day, but this is flexible as long as they can and do warm up under the basking bulb.

Thanks Tom! I’ll invest in a ceramic heat bulb for overnight in that case☺️ He spends most of his time in his warmer end as he has more to climb on there - he tends to climb on his hide a lot and slide down it. His food is in his cooler end so he stomps over there to eat for a bit and usually works his way back to the warm side!
 

Tom

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Thanks Tom! I’ll invest in a ceramic heat bulb for overnight in that case☺ He spends most of his time in his warmer end as he has more to climb on there - he tends to climb on his hide a lot and slide down it. His food is in his cooler end so he stomps over there to eat for a bit and usually works his way back to the warm side!
When they move back and forth like that, it is a good indicator that you've got the right temps. If they are always on the cold side, it might be too hot. If they are always on the warm side, it might be too cool. Adjust as needed.
 

Megang97

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When they move back and forth like that, it is a good indicator that you've got the right temps. If they are always on the cold side, it might be too hot. If they are always on the warm side, it might be too cool. Adjust as needed.

thank you! I’ll keep an eye on him☺️
 

Maggie3fan

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Thank you, he’s been completely normal and himself but I’m keeping an eye on it today too. Any changes and I’ll be taking him to the vet☺ Fingers crossed it was a one time thing!
Please don't be in such a hurry to rush him off to the Vet. Most Veterinarians to not do the extra studying, years in school and whatever needed to get that "exotic" certification. Not all Vets know or understand reptiles (meaning no disrespect to our Vets). I do honestly believe that our resident experts here on TFO know their stuff, and mostly try really hard to answer with good advice.
 

Megang97

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Thank you!!

just as an update, no further bubbles or noises from him and he’s been his usual active self! Think it may have been where I sprayed his food and I just have gotten a bit too much water on it??
 

Crystallynda

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Do you necessarily need a vet to treat this?
How about a cold? ??

mine is doing that wiezing I think! Would bring him to his normal tempts help you think? Cause he does this chip noise!
 

Megang97

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Do you necessarily need a vet to treat this?
How about a cold? ??

mine is doing that wiezing I think! Would bring him to his normal tempts help you think? Cause he does this chip noise!

From what I’ve read (I’m no expert and I’m sure someone else will be able to help and put you in the right direction) if your tort has bubbles out of its nose and making an odd noise then it MAY be an respiratory infection. This is usually easy for them to sort out and pretty inexpensive if found early. I’m sure some people with more experience can help you! I hope your tort is okay☺️
 

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