Sulcata Tortoise Foaming at the Mouth

Sulcata Tortoise Foaming at the Mouth

It’s not normal for a tortoise to foam at the mouth. If you notice a sulcata tortoise foaming at the mouth, it’s important that you diagnose the cause. The three most common causes for a tortoise to foam at the mouth include lower respiratory tract infection, overheating or having consumed something bad. In any case, it is important to get a diagnoses and treatment, as at least two can become fatal.

Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Tortoises

Symptoms of lower respiratory tract disease in tortoises can include:

  • Open mouth breathing
  • A foamy or thick mucus discharge from the mouth
  • “Gurgling” noices
  • Head tilt
  • Increased front limb movement

There is no clear answer as to what causes Lower Respiratory Tract Disease in sulcata tortoises, but probable causes can include bacterial or fungal pathogens or viruses. In some cases, it’s thought that a simple irritation from seeds, hay particles or even food particles.

It’s important to seek veterinary help if you think your tortoise has a respiratory tract disease or infection. The reptile veterinarian will need to diagnose whether the cause is bacterial or fungal or viral or an irritation to determine treatment.

Overheating in Tortoises

Signs of sulcata tortoise overheating can include:

  • Gapping mouth
  • Drooling or foaming at the mouth
  • Bubbles from the noise or a runny noise
  • Weakness
  • Listlessness
  • Inability to walk or move

Because tortoises do not sweat, they release saliva, which evaporates to cool the body off.

If you notice that your tortoise is showing signs of overheating, it is important to cool it off. Bring the tortoise inside. Give it a cool bath. Offer cold foods or chilly treats (for example, a chilled cactus pad or even a head of cold romaine lettuce). Keep the tortoise hydrated by offering foods that contain a lot of water, like cucumbers and iceberg lettuce.

Ensure that you find a way to keep your sulcata cool in warmer weather. Provide shade, fresh water and a good house or burrow because overheating can be very dangerous and become fatal.

Consumed Something Toxic

Sulcata tortoises are adventurous feeders. In many cases, you may notice they will leave certain weeds, greens or foods alone. But, they will try nearly everything, and not everything is safe. Sometimes, sulcatas will eat something they shouldn’t. This can cause foaming at the mouth, vomiting and listlessness.

If you think this is why your sulcata tortoise is foaming at the mouth, provide fresh water, safe foods (try his favorites) and wait. However, if you do not see improvements within 24 hours, contact your reptile veterinarian.

Depending on the amount consumed, your tortoise should recover just fine with water, safe foods and waiting. Otherwise, the veterinarian may need to flush your tortoise’s stomach.