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My turtle has respiratory infection symptoms. What should I do now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Turtle | Female

My turtle is showing Symptoms of respiratory infection.. need urgent help as she is suffering alot n i feel she will die.. no nearby turtle vet so had to get help online.. plz help She is 6 months old..

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on February 5th, 2020

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 12th, 2018
By your description, it it highly suspicious for a respiratory infection. You will need to have Walter examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet for a definitive diagnosis. Antibiotics are usually required for treatment. You can also raise tank and water temps by about 5-10 degrees F to aid in recovery.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on January 1st, 2020
If there is no improvement, you may be under dosing the turtle or the infection is not susceptible to amoxicillin.
You will likely need to have the turtle seen by a veterinarian. Infection can be confirmed and an approved antibiotic and dose can be administered or recommended. Legally, we are prohibited from doing either in the absence of a physical exam.
In the meantime, increase water temperature and ambient temperature by a few degrees. Make sure the turtle continues to eat. Use caution when force feeding as you can inadvertently introduce fluids into the lungs which would complicate any underlying condition.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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