Symptoms of Turtle Pneumonia: What to Watch Out For

The Symptoms of Turtle Pneumonia:

In the Early Stages: Initially, turtles suffering from pneumonia may exhibit symptoms such as a runny nose from the nostrils, a lack of energy, a slower movement, and a tendency to sleep more. Keepers might also notice a white, sticky substance in the turtle's mouth and a persistent floating horizontally in the water.

In the Middle Stages: As the pneumonia progresses, the turtle's appetite may significantly decrease or even stop completely. Breathing through the mouth will become more frequent, especially when swimming, which will be quite noticeable.

In the Late Stages: In the advanced stages of pneumonia, the turtle may experience difficulty breathing due to nostrils blocked with mucus, or it might make sounds resembling a crying baby. When swimming, the turtle may float on its side, and its head will droop as it lacks the strength to lift it up.

How to Treat Turtle Pneumonia:

1. Heating and Rest: Since turtle pneumonia often stems from catching a cold, it's important to keep the turtle's enclosure at a temperature between 38 to 40 degrees Celsius to prevent the condition from worsening. This measure can greatly aid in alleviating symptoms, and typically, the turtle will start to show an appetite after about a week.

2. Medication Treatment: For severe cases, medications like Azithromycin or Amoxicillin can be used for water immersion therapy. The water concentration should be 0.5g of medication per 500ml of water, with a daily treatment. Additionally, the turtle should be administered medication orally. Mix a small amount of Amoxicillin with a small amount of 21 in 1 multivitamin powder and a little raw egg yolk, then mix well and feed to the turtle.

3. Veterinary Care: If the turtle's pneumonia does not improve or worsens despite the above treatments, it is crucial to take the turtle to a veterinary clinic immediately. Under the guidance of a veterinarian, appropriate and effective treatment measures can be taken to ensure the turtle's swift recovery.

For more information on the symptoms of turtle pneumonia, we hope this guide has been helpful. Should you have any further questions, you can click on 'Turtle Pneumonia: Treatment and Prevention Methods' for more detailed reading.