Feline upper respiratory illness (URI) affects a cat’s mouth, nasal passages, upper airway, and possibly the eyes. Serious respiratory infection can be fatal if not treated properly and in a timely manner. © Red Cat Media Ltd 2018 Box Turtle Lifespan – How Long Do Box Turtles Live? A URI is a deadly bacterial infection that can quickly cause death in guinea pigs. This needs the immediate attention of a turtle veterinarian. It took two rounds of antibiotics to get him over it. Although the symptoms of a bacterial eye infection look extremely similar to a simple pair of swollen eyelids, …

It is also the cause of two of our guinea pigs deaths and that is with vet visits.Untreated URI’s are always fatal and sometimes even treated URI’s can be as well.

They drink and bathe a few times a week in the kitchen sink. They are kept separate because they are aggressive towards each other.Squeaks and Nibbles is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk Sadly Barry passed away yesterday morning. Don’t take no for an answer. In treating piggies, time is of the essence and often the vet will have to take an educated guess at which drug to prescribe and just as often the infection can turn out to be resistant to the drug selected.A few days after our vet visit, I noticed that even though Barry was on antibiotics he still wasn’t eating or drinking or pooping. Bad turtle care in the past mean that many pet turtles died prematurely.And today, that means some people still underestimate healthy box turtle life expectancy.Luckily we know far more now about the box turtle life cycle, and how to secure a long and healthy live for them.Box turtles are susceptible to a number of diseases and health issues.Some can be cured, while others will shorten the box turtle life cycle.An initial visit to the reptile veterinarian when you first get your pet turtle, and then regular well-being check ups will also help prevent the onset of health problems.The best way to stop an illness in its tracks before it can shorten your turtle’s life is to know what you might face, and the signs to look out for.We’ll look at the most common of those in closer detail.It is caused by a calcium, phosphorous, and vitamin D imbalance in their diet, and/or inadequate exposure to UV-B light.The disease can affect your box turtle’s shell, beak, bones, and nails.Visible symptoms, include a soft, deformed shell, nails that curve outward, a beak that resembles a duck’s bill, or splayed legs.However once these signs appear, the disease is probably quite advanced.You cannot repair a shell that’s deformed, but you can prevent it from getting worse by adding a calcium supplement to his diet and ensuring he has enough UV-B exposure.If you notice any of the symptoms, take your turtle to the vet for a proper diagnosis, and a care plan to bring him back up to strength.Respiratory diseases are very common in the box turtle.Causes vary from viral, fungal, or bacterial infections to poor living conditions that are too cold or damp.A sure sign of a respiratory infection is wheezing.Other signs include: breathing trouble, swollen eyes, runny nose, inability to swim properly or buoyancy issues, and fluid or bubbles coming from the mouth or nose.A veterinarian will usually prescribe antibiotics to clear up respiratory a infection.Ulcerative shell disease is also known as shell rot.The disease usually occurs if the outside protective layer of the shell that protects the turtle’s bones and organs is injured or infected.Even a seemingly minor injury can put your box turtle at risk of bacterial infection or disease, if it penetrates the shell and allows pathogens to enter into the soft tissue beneath.Shell rot can also occur if your turtle is in an environment where the shell is unable to dry out and bacteria or fungus can get into the shell and cause infection.SCUD (Septicaemic Cutaneous Ulcerative Disease) is a more serious version of this condition where bacteria grow in the bloodstream.It can be fatal if pathogens attack your box turtle’s organs.If you notice any injury to your turtle’s shell take him to the veterinarian.Visible swelling occurs when pus inside the ear canal pushes on the skin.Box turtles are extremely susceptible to Vitamin A deficiencies and this can cause structural abnormalities in the middle ear.If it becomes damaged, bacteria can enter and cause infection.Although not fatal, ear abscesses weaken turtles’ immune systems and make them more susceptible to other ailments.Treatment of aural abscesses usually requires surgery to drain the pus.Box turtles enjoying a suitable habitat and a healthy diet can live in excess of 50 years.As well as meeting their care needs, recognizing signs of disease quickly and getting prompt treatment is one of the best ways to secure them the longest life possible.Some health problems can be identified just by looking at your box turtle.It’s important to pay attention to the condition of their shell.