runny nose?

[jon]

My young marginated tortoise looks as though she may have arunny nose! Sometimes i see bubbles coming from here nose, I don't know wether or not it is just when she has been drinking (as they have to put there noses underneath the wate, as i'm sure you already know). Any ideas what it could be? Please reply

[Lizgirl]

Marginated Tortoises are susceptible to runny noses if their conditions are not ideal. You should take her to a vet for a check-up.

Next you should evaluate her environment. Any water given to her should be watched closely. Marginated Tortoises often deficate in their water. If not, removed bacteria can grow and allow for disease. Her area should be dry and allow room for her to roam.

References:
http://www.pettortoise.co.uk/tortoise_species.php
http://www.slowcoach.org.uk/care/caremed/caremed.html

[elfomatic]

It sounds like an upper respiratory problem to me. I would get her to a herp vet straight away before it gets worse. The vet will be able to provide you with an antibiotic treatment and a vitamin A booster.

Don't wait too long. Like with everything else, torts take a long time to show illness. If she is bubbling at the nose the illness is likely already advanced. Waiting too long can be a fatal move.

If you have any other reptiles you need to quarantine her from them. The infection (if that is what she has) can be contagious and you don't want to have to provide antibiotic to any more pets! Also practice good quarantine procedures and always wash your hands after you touch her or clean her area.

Until you can see a vet you should try to keep her warm. Raise the temps a few degrees under her basking light in her enclosure. Heat helps ward off the infection.