Wheezing

Question
I have been taking care of a Sulcata Tortoise for the last three years and he has been in the best of health. Yesterday he started wheezing. He normally makes plenty of noise and the wheezing is just now and again. Is this the beginning of a respiratory infection, and if it is what should I do to head it off? There is no discharge from or around his nose and he breathes with his mouth closed.

Answer
Hi Carrie,

Can you tell me more about how you have him set up?  Wheezing can be a sign of a respiratory infection, but it can also be associated with dehydration and being kept too dry.  I know you said there's no runny nose or gaping, but are you seeing him stretching his neck out often?  Any lethargy or lack of appetite?  If wheezing is the only symptom, and otherwise he is alert, active, and eating, I'd look at his habitat and increasing moisture.  If you can post back with your location and his setup (indoor/outdoor, type of enclosure, substrate, lighting--heat and UVB, temperatures on warm and cool side, and complete diet) I can help you more.  In the meantime, if he develops any of the other symptoms listed above, a respiratory infection is likely and he should see a good herp vet.