Can my turtle get a respiratory infection from me or another sick turtle?

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.

If Enzo does have a respiratory infection, he will likely need antibiotics. These you must get from a veterinarian by prescription. Some antibiotics used by general practice veterinarians for dogs and cats can be used in reptiles. Have the local vet examine Enzo. He or she can contact a specialist by phone or online to confirm diagnosis and to get information regarding antibiotic therapy. Legally, we are prohibited from providing dosing information for prescription medications in the absence of a physical exam and a VPCR (Veterinarian-Patient-Client Relationship).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.