Posted: Fri Apr 23, 2010 10:10 am
What is an RI?
A respiratory infection is any infection of the respiratory system, i.e. nose/mouth/throat/lungs.
What is the reason it happens?
Unknown, but it is caused by a virus or bacteria that is naturally present either in the water, the air, or the turtle already. In general, the immune system fails for some reason and the organism takes over the respiratory system. Identical to an RI in humans or mammals.
How does it start and what's the first symptom?
It starts kind of randomly, sometimes by the introduction of a new turtle, or new water, or new fish, and most often occurs in new turtles that have been gotten recently from a pet store or other breeder.
The first symptoms that we, as humans, notice is lethargy, mucus coming from the nose/mouth (in the form generally as bubbles), lack of appetite, sleeping on a basking area for too long. Unfortunately, by the point that we notice symptoms, the turtle is already VERY sick. Turtles can hide their illnesses for awhile.
What is the best treatment?
A herp vet MUST administer antibiotics. That is the best treatment. It is possible for a turtle to get better on their own, but I would say that happens in less that 25% of the cases. First, remove the turtle from the other, healthy turtles if necessary. Do not let the turtle catch a chill, and make sure they have exceptionally clean water for the duration of the illness. Keep an eye on the other turtles to make sure they don't come down with anything. Feed the sick turtle anything it will eat, including "treats" such as canned/pouched tuna. Get the turtle to a herp vet as soon as possible for antibiotic shots.
JAX
- - -
Baby Boy - January 9th, 2011! (3 months old)
1 RES - 7" long - Umi (3.5 years old)
1 black lab/hound mix - Josie (1.5 year old)
2 cats - Mysti and Molly (6.5 years old)
anyway
