General Care Discussion :: Strange clicking noise while basking

[StoneFury]

Just today while my turtle was basking i heard him making a clicking noise from his mouth. He has never done this before or if he has i have never noticed it. Is it a normal sound that all turtles make? Or is there something wrong with my poor turt?

[ScrewZoo]

It may be RI.

[StoneFury]

what is RI?

[ScrewZoo]

Respiratory Issues, Which usually lead to death from what ive heard, search it on the forums and look at some of the cases that were had here and see if your turtle has any of the other symptoms. I'm not sure though and don't know much about that stuff.

[StoneFury]

hmm... Yeah illbsearch the forums im kinda worried now. What are some things that can cause RI?

[ScrewZoo]

I think its natural. not very sure, Ill look up somethings for you in a min.

[StoneFury]

ok thank very much

[ScrewZoo]

Heres some info on that, I didnt read it, Im going to right now.. But here it is:

Respiratory Infections (RI)
Information clipped from Health / Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections (RI) are common and deadly illnesses that affect many captive turtles. It is a contagious illness that can spread to other turtles and often requires medical attention. Improper basking and water temperatures as well as exposure to drafts and breezes greatly increase the chances of contracting RI. There are varying degrees of RI, including pneumonia, and the symptoms may also differ.

The most obvious symptom that can signal RI is if a RES is listing. Listing refers to swimming in an irregular manner, such as swimming in circles, unevenly or lopsided and even swimming upside down. Listing is caused by fluid in the lungs; more specifically, if fluid exists in one lung or there is more fluid in one lung than the other. Your RES requires immediate veterinary assistance if they exhibit this symptom. They may have RI but not this symptom. The sooner that they are examined, the better the chance they can recover. They would likely be administered Baytril or another anti-infective. A vitamin injection, antibiotics and an x-ray may also be used or suggested.

There are other possible symptoms that can signal RI, especially if they occur frequently. These may include breathing difficulties, coughing, sneezing, open mouth, yawning, wheezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, mucus from the nose (runny) or mouth and bubbling at the nose and mouth. If your RES exhibits any of these symptoms, then raising temperatures, quarantine and a water change would be the immediate actions to take. Ambient air temperature and water temperature should be raised 10 degrees F. Eliminate any drafts and cold air around the tank. Pneumonia may develop which in many cases is fatal. If your RES continues to exhibit a symptom or develops more, then consult with a qualified vet immediately.

[ScrewZoo]

I also looked at other cases of turtles making a "croaking" sound or clicking noises and they turned out not to be RI so if your turtle didn't show any of those other symptoms listed below I would worry too much.

Does he do it continuously? just one time? how often does he do it?

If you could answer the questions int he "Urgent Care" section that would help some of the experts also.

[steve]

I've heard both and neither are really a conclusive symptom of RI or any other illness.

[marisa]

In the absence of any other symptoms, it's probably not anything serious. I had a RES that would make a clicking sound when he had been out of the water for a while and was becoming a little dehydrated. Just to be safe, watch for any of the symptoms mentioned above.