Wheezing

[tortoisetime565]

My redfoot has started wheezing when he breathes? Any ideas on what it might be? Maybe not enough humidity? I normally soak him 2-3 times a week. He is about 8 inches and very active. Still eating... I'm kinda worried. Should I consult a vet?

 

[ascott]

Whistling/wheezing would make me first check humidity level...have you checked this...dry environment can create the sound...is the tort "business as usual" every other way? Eating, basking, drinking and active?

 

[tortoisetime565]

Yes he is normal. The most humid part of the tubs they are in temporarily is at 50% humidity. When I finish building their new tort table over half of it will be covered. That will hopefully help with humidity. I have him a good long soak and he kinda stopped. He is having regular feces and hasn't acted weird lately. Sometimes I find him and his head and front legs are wet like he is sweating. I put him on quarantine just in case. But I'm not sure if I should consult a vet..

 

[ascott]

Sometimes I find him and his head and front legs are wet like he is sweating.

Does he have a water dish in the enclosure? I mean, torts will walk into the water with their front legs and then dunk alot of their head...

I would venture to say it is "likely" humidity issue...because you have advised that the tort is normal behavior in every other area, right?

 

[tortoisetime565]

Sometimes I find him and his head and front legs are wet like he is sweating.

Does he have a water dish in the enclosure? I mean, torts will walk into the water with their front legs and then dunk alot of their head...

I would venture to say it is "likely" humidity issue...because you have advised that the tort is normal behavior in every other area, right?

Yes. He does have a water dish. I've been soaking him everyday and I think it's helping. But I'm not sure! I haven't heard the wheeze again.

 

[ascott]

I haven't heard the wheeze again.

Fantastic...and remember, if all else seems business as usual then a wheeze from time to time is not cause for extreme freak out

 

[Redstrike]

I agree with Angela all the way on this. If you're enclosure is covered or almost entirely covered, it really helps with humidity retention. I have a couple links in my signature that may provide a visual for you.