Bubbles in Tortoise Eyes--Red Foot

Question

We have had three 3 tortoises for 10 years.  A few weeks ago our Russian died.  I believed at the time it was due to some type of respiratory infection   I brought the redfoot to the vet along with the expired Russian. The vet said that the redfoot was healthy and the Russian died of old age.  Other vets had said in the past that the Russian was indeed very old.  The vet is a specialist for tortoises.  

Today I noticed bubbles around the eyes in the Redfoot. The bubble became more pronounced when I took the tortoise outside. The Redfoot is not eating very much and is very restless.  

I am afraid it a mycoplasm or pneumonia.  The Redfoot is in a tank, there are two heat lamps.  We are at 77 in cool spot and 95 under the lamp.  Right now, we are at 95% humidity and i am bathing everyday.  

Answer
Hi Susan,

Were the two tortoises housed together?  In general, mixing species is not a good idea, but these two species in particular should not be mixed because their care requirements are so different.  If they were not housed together, then the redfoot is unlikely to have contracted something from the Russian unless basic hygiene wasn't practiced (washing hands between handling different tortoises).

Watering eyes in a redfoot is indicative of dehydration.  Bubbles could mean a respiratory infection, but first I would check husbandry to make sure everything is correct.  Tanks aren't ideal enclosures for tortoises, because they require a lot of room and tanks usually don't allow for a good temperature gradient.  If your redfoot is an adult, it needs a good amount of space--ideally something about 4 x 6 or larger.  A 95 degree basking spot is good, assuming that is measured at the substrate level under the basking lamp.  The cool temp is also good (measured in the same way).  A good, moist area in the warm part of the enclosure is essential; if you elevate one end, it will create a moist, boggy area at the other (warm) end.  This will allow the tortoise to choose between dry/cool and warm/moist.  Adding sphagnum moss to the moist areas will also help to keep the humidity up.

You didn't say what you're feeding, but a varied diet is important for redfoots.  The base diet should be leafy greens, with veggies and fruit added in several times a week, and animal protein offered about once a week.  I'm not sure if the vet went over this with you.  

So I would check everything over and make sure it's correct, and then go from there.  If you have questions, please post back.  And if you see obvious signs of a respiratory infection (wheezing, runny nose, gaping/yawning, severe lethargy, etc.), go to the vet.