Management of Mycoplasma agassizii infection in a Horsfield tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii)

Abstract

A 3-year-old Horsfield tortoise was presented for lethargy, anorexia, blepharedema and mucopurulent ocular and nasal discharge. Culture of nasal exudates was negative, but real-time polymerase chain reaction on an oral swab revealed the presence of Mycoplasma agassizii. Multimodal therapy consisted of ocular and nasal flushing, systemic and topical antibiotics, nebulisation, analgesia and supportive care in the form of warmth, fluid therapy and nutritional support. As Mycoplasma spp. remain latent within the body, correction of husbandry and nutritional deficits was particularly important to enhance the animal's immune system, in order to prevent recrudescence of clinical signs. To avoid disease spread, the client was advised against introducing new tortoises into the collection.