How common are respiratory infections in tortoises?

Question

I own two Greek Tortoises, both of my pets developed infections within a short time of their purchase. My male was weak and not eating properly before I brought him home. I was concerned that is he wasn't properly cared for that he would die. After 30 days on antibiotic shots he is like a new tortoise!

I thought adding a female tortoise to the habitat would give him increasing opportunities for socialization. I took her to the vet within 48 hours of bringing her home, she had worms. She successfully was de-wormed and gaining weight. Then within three weeks of adding a ‘healthy’ female she began with bubbles in her nose and clicking her tongue on the roof of her mouth. I took her to the vet ASAP. She too had an infection. My vet told me that I was properly caring for my pets.

I have also found out that a few other tortoise owners that have recently bought pets from the same store have had the same issues with their tortoises. Is this a widespread issue with other tortoises?

Answer 1

it is pretty common and is easily treated, i would think that the fact your tortoises got sick so soon after you brought them it is a problem the store has, they do not have their set up right and if they are keeping a lot of tortoises together then something like this will spread like wildfire through the tortoises, it does not sound like the store is caring for the tortoises very well, the problems with Greek tortoises is they are quite sensitive to change, and if she was not at full strength when you got her the stress of moving environments and the worms can make her stressed, i don't think it is anything you have done just bad husbandry at the store, respiratory infections are quite common and are usually the result of incorrect temps and enclosures and a poor diet, it is lucky you have obviously done your research on tortoises and picked it up quick, your tortoises are the lucky ones, if you intend to get any more tortoises i would find another place to get them the store where you get them don't sound like they know how to care for tortoises very well, the good thing is your tortoises are fit now keep up the good work best of luck

Answer 2

yes, it's pretty common and it is caused by stress due to handling and shipping

you have to realize that other countries that these turtles come from don't have the same rules and laws we have so the poor turtles are packed into boxes one on top of the other with no food or water for long periods of time, all different temperatures

etc.  I saw a show on NatGeo about this and only half of the turtles shipped survived to make it into a US petshop