Pet Turtle Diseases

In many ways, a turtle is an ideal pet. It won't cause damage to a house like a cat or a dog, and it won't screech like a bird. However, when you keep a turtle as a pet, there are some health concerns to be aware of.

  1. Warning

    • Turtles are prone to getting respiratory infections. Symptoms include nasal discharge, swollen eyes, sneezing, coughing, gasping, lethargy and tilting to one side. Usually, this is treated with antibiotics.

    Effects

    • A side effect of respiratory infections can be a swelling of the ears. In serious cases, this can require surgery.

    Significance

    • If a turtle's habitat is not regularly cleaned, then bacteria may form. The most serious of these bacteria can cause blood poisoning. If caught in time, this can be treated by antibiotics.

    Warning

    • When a turtle has a poor diet or a dirty habitat, its shell can become deformed. This is called shell rot. Although serious, this is treatable with a combination of medication and limiting the turtle's access to water.

    Warning

    • Mouth rot is most often caused by malnutrition. Symptoms include a cheese-like pus forming around the mouth, as well as a strong odor. Mouth rot can be treated with antibiotics and periodic cleaning of the mouth.