Re: Tortoise colds

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Posted by A. C. Highfield on July 06, 2000 at 16:57:26:

In Reply to: Tortoise colds posted by jasper on July 06, 2000 at 11:27:54:

: Is there anything I can do to sooth my Tortoise's cold until my vet. appointment in a few days?

It is important to recognise that tortoises do not suffer from 'colds' in quite the same way as humans do. A human 'cold' is viral in origin. The runny noses seen in tortoises are almost invariably due to bacterial, or to mycoplasma organisms. While tortoises can and do suffer from a number of viral diseases, to date, none has been demonstrated to cause 'cold-like' symptoms. Runny noses may be caused as a result of various problems. There could, for example, be a foreign body in the nares seed and grass particles are commonplace). These, in turn, can cause localised abscessing. The majority of cases, however, are due to an upper respiratory tract infection. It is important to take a sample for culture, as this will assist in antibiotic choice. Antibiotics in such cases are typically administered topically (by irrigation of the nares) and systemically, by injection. Oral dosing is generally contraindicated.

Keep affected animals warm, and observe closely. If you see "gaping" or "open mouth breathing" seek veterinary attention urgently, as these are indications of a probable pneumonia. Death can occur in a matter of hours in such cases.

In every case, do work closely with your veterinarian, and never ignore such symptoms. Also, remember that cases of "RNS" are typically highly contagious to other tortoises, so isolate affected animals at once.

Tortoise Trust

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: : Is there anything I can do to sooth my Tortoise's cold until my vet. appointment in a few days? : It is important to recognise that tortoises do not suffer from 'colds' in quite the same way as humans do. A human 'cold' is viral in origin. The runny noses seen in tortoises are almost invariably due to bacterial, or to mycoplasma organisms. While tortoises can and do suffer from a number of viral diseases, to date, none has been demonstrated to cause 'cold-like' symptoms. Runny noses may be caused as a result of various problems. There could, for example, be a foreign body in the nares seed and grass particles are commonplace). These, in turn, can cause localised abscessing. The majority of cases, however, are due to an upper respiratory tract infection. It is important to take a sample for culture, as this will assist in antibiotic choice. Antibiotics in such cases are typically administered topically (by irrigation of the nares) and systemically, by injection. Oral dosing is generally contraindicated. : Keep affected animals warm, and observe closely. If you see "gaping" or "open mouth breathing" seek veterinary attention urgently, as these are indications of a probable pneumonia. Death can occur in a matter of hours in such cases. : In every case, do work closely with your veterinarian, and never ignore such symptoms. Also, remember that cases of "RNS" are typically highly contagious to other tortoises, so isolate affected animals at once.

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