Respiratory Infections

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The desert tortoise upper respiratory complex remains the most

common and exasperating disease affecting this reptile.  Most

experts agree that the disease is caused by a highly contagious

virus.  Some apparently healthy tortoises probably carry the

disease and can transmit it to other susceptible tortoises.  Some

infected tortoises exhibit signs of only mild upper respiratory

disease (usually a runny nose), while others suffer severe

systemic (body-wide) complications of the liver, heart and/or

kidneys, as well as those associated with overwhelming blood

parasite infections.



Dr.  Rosskopf of The Avian and Exotic Animal Hospitals refers to

the latter, more serious form as "tortoise AIDS" because it

appears that the immune system of afflicted individuals is

severly compromised by the infection.  Consequently, these

tortoises are left virtually defenseless and therefore vulnerable

to disease.  One client of the hospital lost 20 tortoises to this

disease in less than one year.  There appears to be tremendous

variability in an individual tortoise's ability to fight the

effects of this devastating disease.



There is no specific treatment for this disease at this time,

though certain anti-viral medications show some promise.  All

candidates for treatment should be thoroughly evaluated by an

experienced veterinarian.  This assessment should include a

survey blood profile as well as culture and antibiotic

sensitivity testing (if indicated and affordable).



Treatment of affected tortoises is symptomatic and emphasizes

supportive care, including vitamin injections, fluid therapy,

nasal flushes, immune-stimulating drugs and force feeding.

Antibiotic injections and topical antibiotics to treat the eyes

and sinuses are extremely important to prevent and/or treat

secondary bacterial infections.



Owners of desert tortoises must be alert to the existence of this

most serious disease.  All newly acquired tortoises should be

promptly examined by a veterinarian and quarantined for at least

six weeks.  Any tortoise showing signs of respiratory disease

should be isolated from all others for an indefinite period.

Recovered tortoises may remain lifetime carriers.