You're in > TPG Members Forum > Tortoise Care, Health/Problems > Wheezing

Wheezing
Posted: 17/12/2008 by imfromwales

Ed often wheezes, as if he is sneezing or something. He is doing it fair bit recently, usually when he has just got out of the bath, although he is doing it now and he is dry and not been in the bath.

Any ideas what it may be?

Thanks,
Antonio

Re: Wheezing
Posted: 17/12/2008 by TPGDarren

It could be a number of things, a particle has lodged itself in his nasal passage, the start of RNS or another respiratory infection. Any sign of discharge from the nose at all? If you press gently but firmly under his chin he will expell air through his nose. Check for any discharge. I did this with one of my females and she had an inch-long blade of grass lodged in her nasal passage. It cleared up almost immediately.

If it persists I'd be inclined to take him to a good vet to have him checked out.

HTH
Darren

Re: Wheezing
Posted: 17/12/2008 by ElaineTPG

Antonio, what substrate are you using with Ed? Also, has he been tested for worms?

Thanks

Elaine

Re: Wheezing
Posted: 19/12/2008 by tpgadmin

Hi Antonio

How is Ed today?

Helen

Re: Wheezing
Posted: 20/12/2008 by imfromwales

Sorry for the delay, ive been away from the computer.

Ive just tried gently pressing, and he didnt breathe out. I couldnt press any harder, i felt terrible lol.

His nose is dry. He has not been wheezing today, although when i feed him cucumber he starts to. How often should this be fed to Ed?

Ed has 60-40 soil/sand substrate.

Thanks,
Antonio

Re: Wheezing
Posted: 20/12/2008 by TPGJo

Hi Antonio,

Tortoises can sometimes make noises after being bathed, keepers often hear a 'click' which quickly goes once the bath has finished, this could be something similar but keep a close eye on it.  His nose is dry which is an good sign.

Cucumber is mainly all water so has no nutritional value, I would wean him off it as soon as you can as tortoises can become addicted to it and ignore their 'good' food.......keep cucumber for hot sunny days (I know, we don't get many <g>), if you wash his food before you offer it, he will be taking in plenty water.  Bath him daily then you know he is well hydrated without the use of cucumber.

Jo

Re: Wheezing
Posted: 20/12/2008 by imfromwales

thats exactly what it sounds like...a little click. He also has this little noise when he eats cucumber, but il be weaning him off it now.

Got him a new house, il post pictures sometime soon.

Thanks,
Antonio

Re: Wheezing
Posted: 21/12/2008 by TPGJo

We look forward to seeing the pictures Antonio Click and drag me down to the editor

Jo

 

web designer: www.beework.net