Respiratory Infections in Turtles and Tortoises

Just like humans can catch a cold or develop pneumonia, turtles and tortoises are susceptible to respiratory infections. While pet turtles aren't exposed to sick playmates, they can become ill due to environmental factors.

How Does a Turtle or Tortoise Catch a Cold?

Turtles and tortoises often develop respiratory infections when their environment is too cold. Common causes of low temperatures in a turtle enclosure include:

• Not monitoring temperatures in the enclosure
• Inadequate lighting to achieve high temperatures
• A burned-out heat bulb or pad
• A drafty window or door
• A fan blowing on the enclosure
• An unusually cold evening or drastic change in temperature

Transporting your turtle when it's cold outside can also cause it to get a chill and fall ill as well as shared air space with a sick turtle or tortoise. Your turtle may contract the same infection as the sick turtle if it is contagious so any sick turtle should always be kept in quarantine to avoid spreading germs.

Signs to Lookout For

Key signs of respiratory infection in turtles or tortoises include difficulty breathing (such as outstretched head and gulping air), decreased energy, loss of appetite, lopsided swimming, inability to dive, open-mouthed breathing, whistling sounds while breathing, and discharge or bubbles from the mouth, eyes, or nostrils.

How Serious Is It?

A cold or respiratory infection can turn into pneumonia and be life-threatening to your turtle. If your turtle goes for more than a few days (species and age-dependent) without being interested in food and/or is showing any signs of having a respiratory infection, it should not be ignored.

Treatment

Begin by checking the temperatures in your turtle's enclosure during both day and night. In large enclosures, assess multiple areas for cold spots. Often, the basking area may not be adequately warm, or the enclosure becomes too cold at night. Consider any recent changes in your turtle's environment and ask yourself the following questions: 

• Has your turtle traveled anywhere (i.e. to the vet, new house, etc.)?
• Did you move the cage?
• Did the outside temperature drastically change?
• Did the power recently go out?

Next, address any identified problems. Replace any burned-out light bulbs and ensure the air temperature is appropriate. Often, simply raising the enclosure's temperature helps your turtle feel better while waiting for a veterinary visit. Increasing humidity can also ease respiratory tract congestion, much like a humidifier aids humans with colds. Avoid giving your turtle or tortoise human medications unless directed by a veterinarian.

Finally, schedule an appointment with your exotics vet to obtain turtle-safe medications for the infection. The vet may perform a cytology test on discharge to identify infections, recommend X-rays for heart or lung changes, and conduct a culture on the discharge. Other diagnostic tests may also be considered. Depending on the infection's severity, the vet may suggest these tests or start with antibiotics.

Prevention

Consistently monitor the temperature in your turtle's enclosure using trusted tools, such as a temperature gun. Check various spots accessible to your turtle or tortoise throughout the day, as temperatures can fluctuate. At night, temperatures might drop when the basking light is off, or drafts may create cool spots. Use a mercury vapor bulb without light to address this. Fix any enclosure issues and maintain warmth to reduce the risk of respiratory infections.