Can I treat my pet turtle's pneumonia or respiratory infection at home?

Thanks for reaching out about Iggy. Reptiles can not acquire respiratory infections from humans, but possible from another turtle that has an infection. One night might be long enough to pass on the contagion. Check and correct husbandry such as water quality, water temperature, basking temperature and UVB exposure, as these are more likely components of illness. It is not legal to prescribe medications without a veterinary-patient-client relationship, meaning a physical exam. See your local veterinarian. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Dory and including a photo. Remove from an aquatic environment and dry dock. Heat support should be in the 80-85 F range. Allow to soak in a shallow, clean room temperature water for 1-2 hours twice daily, monitor to avoid drowning. A veterinary visit is mandatory for the prescription of antibiotics, which need to be injections, in an animal this ill. You need to find a veterinarian. Try the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV.org), they have a find a vet area. Good luck.

Hi there. Yes, it does sound like Scooter has an upper respiratory infection but there is no way to be sure without an exam. You can use Azithromycin orally but you need to get the dosing correct. The dose is 10 mg/kg every 48 hours. If you want help with dosing then please post again with the tortoise's weight and the milligram strength of the Azithromycin you have. Of course, this is not recommended. We really don't condone treating empirically with antibiotics without knowing what you are treating. It would be best to get her to a vet for an exam to be 100% sure of the diagnosis and to get the properly dosed medications. I would also recommend nebulizing her by putting her in the bathroom and closing the door with a hot shower running. The steam may help clear her lungs. Finally, review all your husbandry and be sure it's correct. Usually respiratory infections happen due to incorrect husbandry (diet, heating, light, etc). I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thanks for reaching out about Iggy. Continue to follow your veterinarian's recommendations. Ensure that the environment is in the POTZ (preferred optimal temperature zone). Ensure that nutrition is optimal for healing. Good luck.

Enrofloxacin would work best in these cases. Any veterinarian can diagnose and treat such a presentation, which is likely to be caused by a respiratory tract infection/inflammation. I would strongly recommend a check up at your local veterinarian.

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.