possible respiratory infection?

Sydney G

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I have 2 new 6 month old leopard tortoises. They are both 2.5 inches long. One of them has been acting strange. I've only had them about a month though. He is sleeping all the time and not very active. I tried raising the temperature at night from 74 to 84. He is more active now and eats more now but its still much less than the healthy one. A few days ago i noticed some clear discharge from his nose. After that I started noticing a bubble or two coming from his nose every now and then. Besides raising the night temperature i am also soaking them twice a day in warm water. i heard that could help. Like i said he is more active, but i still see the bubbles and I'm getting worried. If i hold him he just kinda lays his head out in my hand. He also brings his head into his shell allot and rubs it with his arms. Is this a respiratory infection and if so do i need to take him to a vet and get him antibiotics. Is there anything i can do now at home to get rid of it and is there any good vets near Shreveport Louisiana. The only one on the vet list i have been to before and she did not seem at all knowledgeable.
 

mike taylor

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You need to set him up by himself . Bump up night and day temperatures . Warm soaks in baby food like carrots . See if he starts clearing up . If you can and you have a good vet then take him in . I'll never not tell anyone not to see a vet .
 

Sydney G

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If it is a respiratory infection will that get rid of it or will he need antibiotics?
 

Sydney G

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And when i did bump up the temperature it seemed to help his activity and eating but I still saw just the same amount if not more bubbles
 

mike taylor

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It takes time . 74 with high humidity will cause respiratory infections . I don't let night time temperature to drop below 80. But I let the humidity fall off at night . If you have two in the same enclosure the healthy one will bully the weaker one and take the basking spots and good warm hides . So set up a hospital tank keep it warm. I think you will see improvement in a few days . Some times you can fix it with these simple changes .
 

mike taylor

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I start off in the morning with 100% then let it fade off . I have a humidifier on a timer . But others have it at 80 % but don't let the temperature drop below 80 º . If you read Tom's care tips at the top of the sulcata section it's the same .
 

ascott

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A pair situation can lead to alot of health issues for a tort forced to be the submissive tort...pairs are a hard place to find harmony....
 

kathyth

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With humidity you need to remember not to allow an area to be cold.
Warm and humid is good. Cold and humid is a set up for health issues.

I would increase all temps for the sick tort. Heat boosts immunity. May need a vet that frequently treats tortoises. There is a section on the forum that has vet references.
 

Sydney G

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I have them separated now. How does this look? And How low should i let the temp on the cool side get.
 

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Sydney G

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I'm still noticing allot of discharge. I bumped up the temp and have been doing the carrot food baths. Is there anything else that can help. I'm thinking of taking him to the vet. What antibiotic should i request. I heard they were allergic to one.
 

ascott

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