Respiratory conditions in terrapins

Mammals, lizards and snakes have ribs, whereas the terrapin’s ribs fused millions of years ago to make his shell. A terrapin cannot move its shell to breathe but has developed a clever way of breathing.

Inside the bodies of mammals there is a big sheet of muscle called the diaphragm; this separates the chest, where the lungs are situated, and the abdomen where the stomach and intestines are. This muscle moves in and out all the time. Instead of a diaphragm, your terrapin has a pseudodiaphragm; this isn’t a muscle, it’s a large sheet of tissue attached to the front and back legs. In order to breathe, your terrapin has to pull his legs and his head out very slightly… watch him and you will see him breathe! It is also important to be aware of what his normal breathing level is so you can pick up on any labored breathing.

No, terrapins are unable to cough.

This can be a problem because if they get a build-up of fluid in their lungs, they are unable to clear it by coughing. This can affect breathing and may result in an infection. Labored breathing in a terrapin needs a visit to the veterinary practice.

Terrapins have huge spongy lungs that fill up a large part of the space in the shell. The wind pipe (trachea) splits into the bronchii very soon after leaving the back of the throat which allows the terrapin to pull his head right back into his shell. The neck is also S-shaped, and without this early split in his windpipe he would not be able to breathe when he draws back into his shell to hide.

A runny nose (upper respiratory tract disease) is very common in terrapins.

This can sometimes be caused by a piece of grass or hay becoming stuck inside the nose, but it can also be caused by bacterial and viral infections. A respiratory infection can make your terrapin very unwell.

It is important that different terrapins are not mixed; special consideration should be taken before you consider looking after someone else’s terrapin.

Keeping your terrapin at the correct temperature helps to ensure that all his organs are working properly, and that the immune system remains healthy. A balanced diet also helps to fight off infection.

Respiratory disease could mean a visit to the veterinary practice; serious infections may need antibiotics or having a feeding tube fitted.

Pneumonia is inflammation and infection of the lungs. This condition is common in terrapins and often develops due to poor housing. Ensure your terrapin’s vivarium is at the correct temperature. Practice good hygiene within the vivarium. Serious lung infections can cause the terrapin to stretch their neck and open their mouth, gasping for air.

Your terrapin’s vivarium temperature should be warmer during the day and cooler at night. The vivarium should have a warmer and a cooler end to allow your terrapin to control his temperature.

Feeding a good balanced diet protects the immune system.

If your terrapin is showing signs of illness, then you must take him to the veterinary practice. Pneumonia can be very difficult to treat and sometimes an operation is needed to treat the lung infection.

It is important you are aware of your terrapin activity level so any changes can be identified and help you to determine if your terrapin is unwell.