Marbocyl for respiratory infection?

[beeclaire80]

So we were back at the vet today for Floyd’s check up.

Nasal bubbles have continued intermittently so the vet has made the decision to treat with Marbocyl 1%. Now from research I know that the normal treatment is Baytil (I might have spelt that wrong).

Have you guys heard of the medication and is it ok??

Thanks

[Nina]

Hi Claire,
As far as I can see, both Marbocyl and Baytril are fluoroquinolone antibiotics used to treat various bacterial infections. I've had a little look and I think Marbocyl is a good choice as there are some instances (not many though) of tortoises having an allergic reaction to Baytril http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/baytril.html and in the article from this link it mentions that Andy Highfield from the Tortoise Trust has recommended Marbocyl.
The two drugs are very closely related, so there is nothing to say that a tortoise couldn't have a reaction to Marbocyl, but the only reactions I found were to Baytril, so I think it should be fine. Let us know how he gets on!

Nina

[beeclaire80]

Hi Nina,

Brilliant. Thank you! I’m trying to be good and not google!

The upside is that, although Floyd is naturally trying to wind down, he’s eating, drinking etc. So the hope is that, if this truly is a RI, that we have caught it early.

I’m struggling with his enclosure being dry, whilst I’m working from home I’m able to spray multiple times a day. Are there any tips for keeping it from drying out.

Thanks n

[Nina]

Hi Claire,

I'm really sorry, but I can't remember if you were thinking of hibernating him this year (I could look back through old threads but don't have time at the moment). I'm assuming that you aren't hibernating him, which is fine, because if you were then you would need to wait a couple of months after the antibiotic treatment before you did so. You're lucky that he is still eating, because many aren't and won't be persuaded either, so all sounds well at your house!.

Enclosures do dry out really fast indoors, and I don't rely on spraying any more (although I used to). What I do is every three or four days just pour water directly onto the substrate and mix it in really thoroughly. You have to be careful because you don't want the result to be wet at all -- it should be just the teeniest tiniest bit damp (if you take a handful of soil and close your fist it should just about start to clump together). That should last for several days. Also, I leave one area of the table pretty dry, so that they can choose. It's really important, especially as the nights get colder indoors not to have it wet, because most tortoises can handle wet and warm but they really don't do well in wet and cold -- so just barely damp is the way to go.

Nina

[beeclaire80]

Morning Nina,

No, you are right, no hibernation for us this year.

I’ll do what you suggest and try pouring a small amount of water every few days. Since changing to topsoil he’s started trying to dig, which he never did before so I’m hoping if I can get the moisture right he’ll do a bit more digging!

Take care
Claire.

[beeclaire80]

I just wanted to update.

We are on injection 5 of 8 (tomorrow) and there is already a marked improvement.

The last two days Floyd has been up within 30 minutes of his lamp going on. He’s been stomping and exploring and seeking out food. He’s then done the “normal” cycle of bask, eat, sleep, bask and then look for food again at about 4pm before tucking himself up in bed.

[lin]

Hi Claire.
I am sure Nina will be along soon but I just wanted to say that is wonderful news that Floyd is on the up.
Well done for all your doing for him.
What a breakfast that it. So colourful for this time of year so its no wonder he is eating well.

Lin

[beeclaire80]

The mild weather has caused a random nasturtium to flower in my garden so I figured Floyd might enjoy it!

[lin]

It looks like he more than enjoyed it. Bless.
Lin