Pet Turtle : Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections manifest themselves through runny noses, gasping, coughing, sneezing and open mouth breathing. Sometimes you may also notice listing or crooked swimming. These are all reflective of pneumonia, which presents itself in two forms.

The first is the acute type and can appear suddenly and cause death in just a matter of hours if not treated quickly. The symptoms often present as respiratory distress with gasping and open mouth breathing. There may be coughing or disorientation.
The second form is chronic and turtles may have symptoms of respiratory distress and chronic nasal discharge. Radiographs (x-rays) may help confirm a tentative diagnosis.

Remedial Measures
1. Increase water temperature to 26oC or 80oF. Make sure the air in the habitat is also at the same
      temperature. At times covering the habitat & adding another warm light source (bulb) becomes
      necessary.

2. Make sure the habitat is not exposed to any air droughts or cool breezes.

3. Keep turtle in a 'warm-box' (maintain a temperature of 26-29oC or 80-85oF) that has no water
      under a basking light for a couple of days, except for two 1-hr warm water soaks, during which it
      can also be fed. Make sure you add multi-vitamin supplements to the food, especially Vitamin C
.
4. If there is no change in 4-6 days, meet your vet who may advise antibiotic injections of
      enrofloxacin (Baytril), ciprofloxacin, oxytetracycline, or ampicillin (may cause swelling at the
      injection site).