Can tortoises catch a cold?

[andreajowett38]

Hello again! Just want to ask a question about Tuga. Tonight he started to make a strange sound with his mouth/nose, I thought he was just reacting to the succulent I had fed him as a little snack, but hubby thought he sneezed. After having a little cuddle with him, he does appear to have a runny nose and is rubbing it against his leg. Can tortoises catch colds?! Last night he fell asleeep in his water bowl, he moved himself there after I had gone to bed, I came down again to get something a short time later and discovered him settled down for the night in it, very odd behaviour. Should I be worried?
Thanks in advance, Sally

[lin]

Hi Sally. Sorry but I removed your link because they are not allowed on our website or forum from outside sources, hope that’s ok

In answer to your question, tortoises don’t get colds as such but what they do contract is what’s known as runny nose syndrome and if left untreated can infect the upper and lower respiratory tract. It would be best to take your tortoise to an exotics vet that also treats tortoises and see what they advise. In the meantime keep tortoise warm and hydrated.

Lin

[Nina]

Hi Sally,
I agree with Lin that you should see an exotics vet, as if it is runny nose syndrome (RNS), it can get worse quickly. Here is a link to our list of recommended vets, and if you can't find one near you then let us know what area you live in and we'll see if we can find one. https://www.thetortoisetable.org.uk/tor ... s-by-area/

Nina