This week’s segment features Elliot the 6-year-old sulcata tortoise!! Elliot came to us when his owner noticed that he was blowing bubbles and seemed to have difficulty breathing. Upon physical exam, Dr. Emerson diagnosed Elliot with an upper respiratory infection which we see commonly in reptiles. Tortoises and other reptiles are particularly susceptible to upper respiratory infections when temperatures, humidity, nutrition, or husbandry aren’t quite right. Signs can include nasal discharge, bubbles around the nose or mouth, open-mouth breathing, increased respiratory effort, lethargy, or a decrease in appetite. Because reptiles often hide signs of illness until they are quite sick, recognizing these early warning signs and seeking veterinary care promptly is important. Proper temperatures, humidity, UVB exposure, nutrition, and enclosure hygiene all play an important role in keeping your reptile healthy and helping prevent respiratory disease! After treatment with nebulization and antibiotics, Elliot is back to his normal happy self!!