My ornate monitor has nostril bubbles. Is it a respiratory infection?

Thanks for reaching out about Stummpy and including a photo. Mild upper respiratory infections can present similar to this. Respiratory secretions can accumulate over night due to less vigorous respiration during sleep. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a treatment plan, prior to possibly evolving into a more serious problem. Check and correct husbandry, including temperature and humidity. Good luck.

I am sorry that Kai isn't feeling well. From what you are describing, he may have a respiratory infection - this could be isolated to his upper respiratory system (nose and trachea/windpipe) or it could also be involving the lower respiratory system as well (lungs, such as pneumonia). I would recommend taking Kai to a veterinarian for evaluation. They can perform an examination, and may recommend taking radiographs (x-rays) to see what his lungs look like. They may also collect some of the fluid to evaluate for bacterial populations to see if there is an infection. They can then prescribe treatments depending on what they find - these may include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Please do not give Kai any human medications at home, as many of these can be harmful for our scaly friends. I hope that this gives you a place to start, and that Kai feels better very soon.

I'm sorry to read about the loss of your mouse. It is not likely Puff would catch a respiratory infection from a sick mouse. If he is showing symptoms of illness (lethargy, decreased appetite, raspy breathing or gaping), then he should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Respiratory infection typically requires prescription antibiotics for treatment. You will need to get these from your vet after an exam and diagnosis.

This sounds like an upper respiratory infection. First you need to check your husbandry. Is the enclosure the proper temperature/humidity? Has the temperature changed drastically in the last few weeks? Have you moved the enclosure? Are you feeding him the correct diet and vitamin supplements? How is the lighting? Have you changed the bulbs in the last 6 months? My recommendation is to take him to a vet to get antibiotics.

Thanks for reaching out about Kiwi. When she floats in the water, is one side lower down? This could indicate pneumonia on one side. Respiratory infections, whether upper or lower, are often bacterial, but fungal and viral problems are also possible. Low vitamin A in the diet can also pre-dispose to opportunistic infections. Bacteria can cause disease if water quality is poor. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Other than optimal husbandry (heat support in basking site and water) and a good diet, there is not much else that can be done at home. Good luck.

Maintain pristine water quality and proper temperature. You can even bump water and ambient temps about 5 F to aid in recovery. Offer some freeze dried shrimp or krill to stimulate the appetite. Small bits of fresh beef heart may also get him eating. Other protein sources include feeder fish and nightcrawlers.

Yes, it is possible Melanie has a respiratory infection. She should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to confirm the diagnosis. Antibiotics will be necessary if this is the case. Left untreated, she may develop pneumonia which can be life threatening. If an experienced reptile vet is unavailable, your local veterinarian may be able to consult with one online or by phone. Follow this link for a file regarding care of flapshells: http://www.infowares.com/j/indian_flapshell_turtle_caresheet.pdf You may need to take her from the garden and set up a tank for Melanie while she is being treated. It will make it easier to treat and monitor her condition.