Can turtle get the flu?
Similarly to a person catching a cold or getting pneumonia, turtles and tortoises are prone to developing respiratory infections. While our pet turtles don’t have play dates with other turtles that are sick, they are often subjected to an environment that may cause them to get sick.
Is it possible for a pet turtle to get sick?
Ever wondered if your pet turtle can get sick? And is there anything you can do for them if they do get sick? The answer is yes, pet turtles can definitely get injured or become sick and it’s actually a good idea for them to have regular veterinary exams. Examining a turtle isn’t always easy, because they are very strong and can be stubborn.
Why is my tortoise sick all the time?
Each of these sick turtle or tortoise symptoms can indicate one or more health issues. Common causes range from parasites to infection, trauma to nutritional deficiencies and, occasionally, congenital (inherited from birth) health issues or diseases contracted before you received your pet turtle.
What kind of disease does a turtle have?
The disease is most common in young turtles, and symptoms may include a soft shell, broken bones, and weakness. If detected early, the disease is reversible with correction of diet and lighting, while more advanced cases may require prescription supplements.
Can a chelonian tortoise be a sick turtle?
Unless you are an experienced chelonian owner, you might not know be aware that your turtle is suffering from a health problem. The main reason for missing the early signs and symptoms of an illness or disease in your pet turtle or tortoise is because they do a good job of masking them.
What are the symptoms of a sick turtle?
Here are some sick turtle and tortoise signs and symptoms to watch for: Puffy or swollen eyes. Puffy or swollen ears (turtles don’t have visible ears but they are located on each side of their head). Respiratory discharge. “Bubbling” at the nose and mouth. Wheezing, gasping or open-mouth breathing.
Why is my turtle lethargic?
Most respiratory infections are caused by bacteria, and in turtles are often secondary to Vitamin A deficiency. Turtles with respiratory infections may have excess mucus in their oral cavities, nasal discharges, lethargy and loss of appetite, and possibly open-mouth breathing and wheezing.
Do turtles have diseases?
Common conditions of pet turtles include Vitamin A deficiency, respiratory diseases, abscesses, shell infections and fractures, and parasites. Internal parasites, such as roundworms, are common in pet turtles. Signs of disease in turtles may be specific for a certain disease, such as nasal discharge in the case of a respiratory infection.
What disease do turtles carry?
Turtles commonly carry the Salmonella bacteria on their outer skin and shell surfaces. Geckos can also infect people with Salmonella. The little glassy-eyed creatures may look cute and harmless, but small turtles can make people very ill.
