Pneumonia

Pneumonia presents in one of 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. Some tortoises with acute pneumonia may actually become hyperactive.

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. Treatment for both forms consists of injectable antibiotics. The acute form is usually much more responsive to treatment. Common antibiotics include enrofloxacin (Baytril), ciprofloxacin, oxytetracycline, or ampicillin (may cause swelling at the injection site).

Ear Abscesses

Ear abscesses are a relatively common problem, particularly in American Box Tortoises. The common symptoms are swelling of the tympanic membrane and the resulting discharge of pus into the back of the throat via the eustachian tube. Since these infections can often be very advanced before they are noticed, treatment usually consists of surgically opening and draining the abscess. In the early stages of the infection oral or injectable antibiotics can be used. These infections are often associated with contaminated water or improper temperature and humidity levels.

Ulcerative Shell Disease

Ulcerative shell disease is often called SCUD or 'shell rot' and comes in two primary forms. The dry form is often associated with a fungal infection and needs to be treated with antifungal medications. The wet form is associated with gram negative bacteria and often develops after an injury to the shell. Treatment consists of removing the infected scute and irrigating the area with a diluted Betadine solution. A topical antibiotic is then often applied.

Septic Arthritis and Articular Gout

Septic arthritis and articular gout are both serious conditions that can be seen individually, but are often found together in the same affected joint. The symptoms include swelling of the limb joints, stiffness, and pain when the joint is manipulated. This condition is sometimes confused with rickets caused by a vitamin D deficiency. The occurrence of gout is closely associated with an overly high intake of dietary protein, which results in a higher than normal blood urea. This condition is most common in herbivorous tortoises that are fed animal protein instead of the more natural vegetarian diet. Treatment in mild cases usually consists of injectable antibiotics, with oxytetracycline or gentamycin commonly used. In more severe cases, the limb may need to be amputated.

Abscesses

Abscesses are very common in all reptiles including turtles and tortoises. The most common locations are the ears, legs, nasal passageways, jaw, and liver. Abscesses often present as hard lumps or swellings under the skin. Antibiotics are not usually very effective in controlling these abscesses, so surgical removal is the preferred method of treatment.

Conclusion

Bacterial infections are a common problem in captive and wild turtles and tortoises. Many of the infections can be avoided with good sanitation, housing, and nutrition. Fortunately, with prompt diagnosis and treatment almost all of these common infections can be effectively treated.