COMMON DISEASES OF TERRAPINS
What are some of the common diseases of pet terrapins?
Common conditions of pet terrapins include Vitamin A deficiency, respiratory
diseases, abscesses, shell infections and fractures, and parasites.
What are the signs of these diseases?
Vitamin A deficiency occurs as a result of feeding terrapins an inappropriate
diet. The all-meat diet, or the "cricket and fruit cocktail" diet, or the "lettuce
and carrots" diet, are all deficient. Lack of Vitamin A produces signs seen
with changes in the epidermis (outer layer of skin and mucus membranes), including
lack of appetite, lethargy, swelling of the eyes and eyelids (often with a pus-type
discharge), swelling of the ear (actually an ear abscess), and respiratory infections.
Most respiratory infections are caused by bacteria, and in terrapins are often
secondary to Vitamin A deficiency. Terrapin with respiratory infections may
have excess mucus in their oral cavities, nasal discharges, lethargy and loss
of appetite, and possibly open-mouth breathing and wheezing.
Abscesses, commonly seen in pet terrapins, appear as hard tumor-like swellings
anywhere on the pet's body. Abscesses in terrapins are often related to Vitamin
A deficiency.
Shell problems are often encountered in terrapins. These can be infections
caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, or more commonly are the result of fractures
of the shells.
Parasites, such as roundworms, are common in pet terrapins. They often cause
no clinical signs and are detected on an annual fecal examination. They may,
however, cause diarrhea or weight loss.
How can I tell if my terrapin is sick?
Signs of disease in terrapins may be specific for a certain disease, such
as nasal discharge in the case of a respiratory infection, or nonspecific, such
as an terrapin with anorexia (lack of appetite) and lethargy, which can be seen
with many diseases. ANY deviation from normal should be a cause for concern
and requires immediate evaluation by your veterinary surgeon.
How are terrapin diseases treated?
Vitamin A deficiency is treated with either oral or injectable Vitamin A.
Treatment should only be done under veterinary supervision, as hypervitaminosis
A, a condition resulting from the incorrect usage and overdosage of Vitamin
A, can occur.
Respiratory infections are most often caused by bacteria; many of these terrapins
also have Vitamin A deficiency that requires treatment as well. Your veterinary
surgeon may want to do radiographs (X-rays), blood tests, and cultures to determine
the cause of the infection. Occasionally, allergies can cause nasal discharge
as well. Treatment for true infections involves antibiotics given orally or
as injections, and possibly nose drops. Sick terrapins require intensive care,
including fluid therapy and force feeding, in the hospital.
Abscesses are treated surgically; the abscess is opened and flushed with a
medicated solution. A culture of the abscess may be needed to determine the
type of infection that caused the abscess. Topical medication and injectable
antibiotics may also be used.
Shell fractures can usually be repaired by the doctor. Infections are more
difficult to treat but usually involve identifying what type of organism (virus,
bacterium, or fungus) is causing the problem, thoroughly cleaning the shell,
and using appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Parasites are treated with the appropriate deworming medication. The type
of parasite identified on the microscopic fecal examination will determine which
drug is needed.
Any disease in terrapins can be severe enough to cause a loss of appetite
and lethargy. When seen, these signs indicate a guarded prognosis and the need
for hospitalization and intensive care, which can include fluid therapy and
force feeding.
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