Why is my Russian tortoise breathing heavy?
Panting and hissing can also be normal for a tortoise, as it’s a precursor to eating. However, if this is unusual for your tortoise, get it checked by your vet. The larger your tortoise’s enclosure, and the more substrate the better. Tortoises are natural walkers and need as much space as possible.
What kind of health problems do Russian tortoises have?
Internal parasites are most common with wild-caught and imported Russian tortoises, but captive ones may also have internal parasites, so it’s always a good idea to have a fecal test on new tortoises. Roundworms are common to tortoises and will usually cause diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and a lack of appetite.
Is it bad for a tortoise to have dry skin?
Their skin can become dry and puckered, potentially with the risk of flaking. Not only is this bad for the health of the tortoise, but it can impede the ability to shed dead skin effectively. The problem for new owners is that tortoise skin already looks dry and wrinkled compared to mammalian skin.
How can you tell if a tortoise has a problem?
If your tortoise looks wet or moist, there could be a problem. But if his skin is overly dry and causing cracks and sores, it’s equally alarming, so don’t delay a vet trip. Try to examine close up photos of various tortoise breeds and see the difference in skin texture.
Can a Russian tortoise Breathe Out of its mouth?
You may notice wheezing and sometimes a mucous discharge from the nose and/or mouth. If you wait until the tortoise is breathing out of its mouth, you’re not in for good results.
Their skin can become dry and puckered, potentially with the risk of flaking. Not only is this bad for the health of the tortoise, but it can impede the ability to shed dead skin effectively. The problem for new owners is that tortoise skin already looks dry and wrinkled compared to mammalian skin.
Do you need to keep an eye on your Russian tortoise?
It’s very important that you are aware of what illnesses Russian tortoises may contract or develop. You need to keep an eye on your tortoise because any changes in appetite, behaviors, or overall routine may indicate an illness is developing. The most common health problems that a Russian tortoise may contract are very minor.
If your tortoise looks wet or moist, there could be a problem. But if his skin is overly dry and causing cracks and sores, it’s equally alarming, so don’t delay a vet trip. Try to examine close up photos of various tortoise breeds and see the difference in skin texture.
Internal parasites are most common with wild-caught and imported Russian tortoises, but captive ones may also have internal parasites, so it’s always a good idea to have a fecal test on new tortoises. Roundworms are common to tortoises and will usually cause diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and a lack of appetite.
