lepard tortoise

Question
hi, my tortoise seems to have a cold and shes had it for a while now could you give me some advice on what to do. i also have a baby one in the cage with her so i don't know if it will affect him aswell..thanx susannah

Answer
Hi Susannah,

Tortoise keepers use the term "runny nose syndrome" to describe the symptoms in tortoises that are similiar to the ones from a human cold. Leopards seem particularly prone to this and it can often be chronic or recurring. It is not caused by a single organism but is a catch-all phrase for similar symptoms from a number of potential causes, bacterial and viral.
Separating and isolating affected animals is highly recommended.

This article from Tortoise Trust discusses it and has some care tips. They do highly recommend veterinary care due to the potential for pneumonia to develop.     

http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/commondisease.html

Maintaining an adequate basking temperature in the 32- 35C range is a good first step in battling any tortoise respiratory problem. Access to this temp. is  critical for the full functioning of their immune system. A low ambient humidity is also recommended for leopards. A humid hide (which mimics the higher humidity burrows they freqently inhabit) can still be provided in addition to water for drinking. Consistent cool, damp conditions can trigger respiratory problems in leopards.

Unfortunately, one of the potential causes for respiratory symptoms is the tortoise herpes virus which, again, leopards are rather prone to. I mention it because you are in the U.K where it has been isolated and sadly the prognosis is poor when this is the cause. It is better to be aware of it then not to be.