My 33 year old Desert Tortoise has a runny nose

ColumbiaJane

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Just this week, I noticed clear discharge coming from his nose. I live in Columbia, California. Looking for a veterinarian, hopefully not too far away. Any recommendations? Modesto is the nearest big town. Thank you
 

wellington

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If you can, just bump up his temp to 85 at least day and night and see if it goes away. Lots of time thats all thats needed.
Specially when a lot of vets can do more harm then good.
Keep temps up for at least a week. If it doesn't improve or he gets worse then a vet visit may be needed.
 

ColumbiaJane

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He spends summers outside until the nighttime temps drop, usually late October, early November, and then he hibernates in his box in the closet. I can start bringing him in, just for the nights and see if it helps. Thanks
 

wellington

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If your nights are dropping below 80-85 yes, bring him in and keep the temp up. If the day temps are 80-85 then he can go out. If they are cooler, I would keep him in until the symptom goes away.
 

ColumbiaJane

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We have had a pretty hot summer, but now, the nights are much cooler-high 50’s last week, so he gets to spend the nights inside. Thanks again
 

bioteach

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Just this week, I noticed clear discharge coming from his nose. I live in Columbia, California. Looking for a veterinarian, hopefully not too far away. Any recommendations? Modesto is the nearest big town. Thank you
My DT had this issue earlier this summer, and our vet diagnosed mycoplasma. Apparently, 95% of DT's carry micoplasma in their noses; but most of the time it is not symptomatic. Since she was symptomatic I took her to the nearest exotic animal vet her in Phoenix where she was treated. The treatment consisted of a nasal flush followed up by a two week treatment of antibiotics administered by injection. The first injection was done at the vet's clinic office and the remaining shots (every other day) I was able to administer myself at home. The needle is hair thin and I injected her pectoral muscle (alternating right/left) per treatment. She didn't enjoy being injected but it clearly did not hurt her - especially with a nice Hibiscus blossom afterwards. I am happy to say that her follow up exam showed her to be healthy with no discharge whatsoever. She is eating like crazy - perhaps expecting a cold winter?
 

Yvonne G

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My DT had this issue earlier this summer, and our vet diagnosed mycoplasma. Apparently, 95% of DT's carry micoplasma in their noses; but most of the time it is not symptomatic. Since she was symptomatic I took her to the nearest exotic animal vet her in Phoenix where she was treated. The treatment consisted of a nasal flush followed up by a two week treatment of antibiotics administered by injection. The first injection was done at the vet's clinic office and the remaining shots (every other day) I was able to administer myself at home. The needle is hair thin and I injected her pectoral muscle (alternating right/left) per treatment. She didn't enjoy being injected but it clearly did not hurt her - especially with a nice Hibiscus blossom afterwards. I am happy to say that her follow up exam showed her to be healthy with no discharge whatsoever. She is eating like crazy - perhaps expecting a cold winter?
Unless your vet did a specific test for micoplasma, he's just guessing. Last I heard the only place testing for micoplasma is someplace in Florida.
 

ColumbiaJane

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Well, I’m happy to say he’s eating like crazy and very active. I’m hoping to find a knowledgeable vet maybe in Lodi or Stockton?
 

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