Urgent Care :: My baby RES passed on today, how do I keep my other baby wel

[precious]

I had the sad news of my baby RES passing today. I found out from reading this forum, that is was probably due to a Respiratory Infection. My turtle had been experiencing most of the symptoms and I didn't even realize that. I have another baby RES who is not eating and has a lack of energy. This has been happening for at least a solid week now. I have inserted a water heater and the thermometer says 76 degrees. What other things can I do to alliveate the stress and tramau felt by my lonely turtle who lost his sister, and also keep him healthy and active again??? I am afraid that my last RES might be sick and don't know how to help him. HELP!

Any and all advice would be appreciated greatly!!!!

[Starchick]

First of all, raise the water temperature to 80. If your turtle actually has RI, you'll need to take him to the vet. Check the vet listings at www.austinsturtlepage.com to find one near you. Raising the temps will help your turtle fight off the infection but it's important to get him to the vet.

[penelope]

I am so sorry to hear that you lost one of your RESs today. I may have mis-read - did you just insert a water heater? were they without one before? Turn the heat up a degree or two. Test the water. My turtle became extremely lethargic when her Nitrite and Ammonia level soared. I don't know enough to say whether or not RIs are contagious, I only have one.
I am like a broken record. When in doubt, go to a vet, especially if she is acting out of character for a length of time. Watch closely for bubbles coming out of her nose regularly, swimming off-kilter (listing to one side), coughing, etc.

Again, I am so sorry for your loss!!!!

[SpotsMama]

How sad that your turtle passed away. It's very hard to lose a pet.

On your other little one, what the others have said about getting to a vet is right on target. The treatment for RI is antibiotics and you have to get those from a vet. Be sure the vet knows about "herps" or "exotics". Vets that just treat dogs and cats don't normally know about turtles.

Here's a caution: If the vet offers to give a vitamin A shot, first make sure the vet is positive your turtle really needs vitamin A and then discuss other alternatives to shots with the vet like eye drops with vitamin A, cod liver oil or food supplements. Several turtles have recently had very bad reactions to vitamin A shots and I think it's best that if vitamin A is needed (and often it's not) the safer methods be used instead.

Until you can get to the vet, keep your turtle warm (80 to 82 degrees), very clean and try to get him to eat. If he refuses his normal food go ahead and offer him special treats like tuna fish or shrimp, just to get some calories in him. Avoid stressing him as much as possible. This means don't pick him up unless you have to and keep the room quiet.

Good luck. Please keep us posted. We'll be pulling for you.

[precious]

I want to send a big heart felt hug to all those who responded and gave their advise, in my time of sorrow and lose of my baby RES today. I have placed a water heater that is preset for 78 degrees in the aquarium. Tomorrow I plan on going to a Herb or Exotic Pets Vet to get my other little guy a checkup, since I know something is seriously wrong, ie Respiratory Illness signs. I just hope the little guy holds on tight for another couple days until the problem is diagnosed and treated.
Does anyone know how expensive antibiotics for RI might cost me? I live in Virginia and found a few Herb vets in the area, but I have to call about getting an appointment tomorrow morning.

[SpotsMama]

The best way to find out about the cost would be to call and ask the vet. Prices vary quite a bit in different parts of the country. I think most people that get treatment for a sick turtle spend a hundred dollars, sometimes more.

Again, good luck to you and your little turtle. Your turtle is very lucky to have someone who cares.