Respiratory infections are a common health issue faced by pet red eared sliders As reptile owners, it’s crucial we understand the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of respiratory infections to keep our pets happy and healthy In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about respiratory infections in red eared sliders.
What Causes Respiratory Infections in Red Eared Sliders?
There are several potential causes of respiratory infections in red eared sliders:
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Incorrect temperatures: Red eared sliders are cold-blooded and require specific temperature ranges to stay healthy. Prolonged exposure to cold environments can compromise their immune systems and make them prone to respiratory infections. Their tanks should maintain water temperatures of 75-78°F and basking areas of 90-95°F.
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Unclean habitat A dirty tank filled with waste, uneaten food, and stagnant water provides the ideal environment for dangerous bacteria to thrive. Clean the tank regularly to avoid buildup of bacteria
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Poor water quality Even water that looks clean can harbor harmful microorganisms. Use high-quality filters, frequently change water, and avoid overcrowding to maintain good water quality
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Vitamin A deficiency: Vitamin A is crucial for mucus membrane and respiratory health. Feed a varied diet high in vitamin A to prevent deficiency.
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Stress: Stress from inadequate habitat, improper handling, or malnutrition can weaken the immune system and make a respiratory infection more likely.
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Other illness: Existing illnesses like parasites, mouth rot, and skin infections leave turtles vulnerable to secondary respiratory infections.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Respiratory Infection
Catching and treating a respiratory infection early is key to recovery. Here are the most common signs:
- Labored, open-mouth breathing
- Runny or bubble nose
- Puffy eyes
- Frequent basking out of water
- Coughing/wheezing
- Lack of appetite
- Lethargy/weakness
- Tilting or floating sideways while swimming
Severe infections may cause thick mucus bubbles around the mouth, extreme lethargy, and wheezing.
Preventing Respiratory Infections in Red Eared Sliders
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to your turtle’s health. Here are some tips:
- Maintain proper temperatures – 75-78°F water, 90-95°F basking area.
- Use high-quality lighting and heating products.
- Perform partial water changes 1-2 times weekly.
- Clean tank, decor, and filter monthly.
- Avoid overcrowding.
- Feed a nutritious and vitamin-rich diet.
- Quarantine new turtles before introducing them.
- Minimize stress.
- Address any underlying health issues promptly.
Treating Respiratory Infections in Red Eared Sliders
If your red eared slider develops a respiratory infection, here are some at-home steps while waiting for your vet appointment:
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Increase temperatures slightly – aim for 78-80°F water, 95°F basking area. The extra heat supports immune function.
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Dry dock if severely ill – restrict time in water to allow easier breathing.
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Double check lighting & heating products – use highest quality options.
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Clean habitat to remove infectious agents.
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Supportive care – tempting foods, fluids, rest.
However, antibiotics from an exotic vet are essential for treating respiratory infections. Most require a prescription medication like fortified aminoglycosides or fluoroquinolones.
Depending on severity, your vet may also recommend:
- Nebulization therapy
- X-rays to assess lung damage
- Anti-inflammatories
- Anti-fungal medication
- Fluid therapy
- Assisted feeding
Closely follow your vet’s instructions for care and medication to fully resolve the respiratory infection.
Providing At-Home Care for a Recovering Turtle
Once your red eared slider is back home and on the mend after vet treatment, continue providing supportive care:
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Maintain warm temperatures to aid recovery.
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Let them rest and recover out of water if needed.
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Assist feed with high-nutrition foods.
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Give medications exactly as prescribed.
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Keep the habitat pristine.
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Avoid stressors like handling.
Watch for returning symptoms and contact your exotic vet if you have concerns. With proper treatment and care, most turtles make a full recovery from respiratory infections.
When to See a Vet
It’s vital to have your red eared slider examined by an experienced reptile vet at the first signs of respiratory infection. Only vets can prescribe the necessary medications to treat the underlying infection.
Some signs that require prompt vet attention include:
- Open-mouth breathing
- Bubbling from the nose/mouth
- Severe lethargy
- Loss of appetite
- Tilting or floating while swimming
- Any symptoms lasting over 2 days
Vet care greatly improves outcomes for respiratory infections. Don’t delay – contact your exotic vet as soon as you notice symptoms.
FAQs About Respiratory Infections in Red Eared Sliders
Are respiratory infections in red eared sliders contagious to other turtles?
Yes, the bacteria, viruses, or fungi causing respiratory infections can spread between turtles sharing an enclosure. Always quarantine sick turtles.
Can respiratory infections resolve without antibiotics?
No, most respiratory infections require prescription antibiotic treatment to fully resolve. Supportive care alone is not sufficient.
How long do antibiotics take to cure a respiratory infection?
The course of antibiotics is typically 2-4 weeks. Give all medication as directed, even after symptoms improve, to fully eliminate the infection.
Can a turtle recover from a severe respiratory infection?
Yes, with prompt exotic vet care and proper treatment, even severe respiratory infections are recoverable. However, preventative care is still best to avoid infections.
Are there long-term consequences after a respiratory infection?
Full recovery is possible in many cases, especially with early treatment. However, severe or chronic infections can permanently damage the lungs.
The Key to Healthy, Happy Red Eared Sliders
Respiratory infections are common but manageable health issues for pet red eared sliders. As caretakers, we must provide proper habitat conditions, nutrition, and wellness care to lower their risk. However, even with excellent care, turtles can still become ill. Know the signs of respiratory infection, and don’t hesitate to involve your exotic vet at the first symptoms. With attentive care and prompt treatment, your beloved turtle friend can make a full recovery and thrive for many years to come.
What are the signs of these diseases?
Fig. 1: Red-eared slider with severe metabolic bone disease (MBD). Photo courtesy of Gregory Rich, DVM.Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus due to an improper diet, lack of adequate ultraviolet (UV) light, or a combination of both. Signs of MBD in aquatic turtles are usually a misshapen shell or deformed bones in 1 or all 4 legs. Turtles affected by MBD will grow slowly and often never grow to full adult size.
Vitamin A deficiency (hypovitaminosis A) occurs when turtles are fed an inappropriate diet. Turtles that are fed iceberg lettuce, an all-meat diet, or a poor-quality commercial diet are most likely to develop hypovitaminosis A. Lack of vitamin A produces changes in the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and in the mucus-producing glands and membranes lining the mouth, eyes, kidneys, and upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include a lack of appetite, lethargy, swelling of the eyelids (often with a pus-like discharge), swelling of the ear (due to the formation of an ear abscess), kidney failure, and/or chronic respiratory infections.
In turtles, most respiratory tract infections are caused by bacteria and are often secondary to vitamin A deficiency. Aquatic turtles also succumb to respiratory infections if their tank does not have proper water filtration to help cleanse the water from waste and bacterial growth. Turtles with respiratory infections may have excess mucus in their mouths (seen as bubbles in the mouth, nose, and eyes), nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, wheezing, extension of the neck to breathe, and open-mouth breathing or gasping.
If the infection is severe or if it spreads into the lungs, the turtle will generally develop pneumonia, which may be noted when the turtle tilts to the side while swimming. This tilt occurs because the diseased lung tissue is heavier than the regular lung tissue, and affects the turtle’s buoyancy.
Abscesses (infected, pus-filled swellings within a tissue of the body) appear as hard, tumor-like swellings anywhere on the skin or within the pets body. Reptile pus is usually thick and dry, with the texture and consistency of cottage cheese. Abscesses often develop in turtles’ ears or oral cavity, and they appear as large swellings on the sides of the head, just behind the eyes or on the roof of the mouth. Abscesses in turtles’ ears and oral cavity are often related to vitamin A deficiency.
Shell infections (also known as shell rot) are often encountered in turtles and are caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. These infections are often secondary to trauma, burns, or bites. Some of these infections can penetrate deep into the layers of the shell, causing ulcers, pitting of the shell, or extension into the bone below. The outer layer of the shell (keratin) protects the living bone underneath; the shell provides important protection for the inner organs located beneath the shell.
Gastrointestinal parasites, such as roundworms and protozoa, are common in pet turtles. In many cases, parasitic infections do not cause any clinical signs. Intestinal parasites can be detected on a routine fecal examination by your turtle’s veterinarian. With severe infection, parasites may cause diarrhea or weight loss and may require treatment.
What are some of the common diseases of pet turtles?
Common conditions of pet aquatic turtles include metabolic bone disease, vitamin A deficiency, respiratory diseases, abscesses, shell infections, shell fractures, and parasites.