Urgent Care :: sick turtle, trouble breathing, not swimming, VERY inactive

[Sgt. Pepper]

Why can't you get him to the vet sooner? You really need to take him to the vet. Up the water temperature a little bit and keep an eye on him. Make sure there aren't any drafts near the tank that could make him worse. Get him to the vet asap.

[SpotsMama]

Jenniebee9, you should follow the same advice as jisbmx was given. And it's true, time is very important when a turtle has RI. The quicker you can him treated the better his chances will be. If he's stopped eating, then he's pretty sick already. Maybe it will help when you contact a vet to explain that it's an emergency - maybe that will get you in sooner.

[izziepop07]

My turtle just went through almost the same things, she stopped eating, was inactive, and continuously basked. She got antibiotic shots right away for two weeks, three times a week. The best bet is to get it to the vet, because thats where they can get antibiotics, and if the turtle isn't eating then they need the shot of antibiotics! Hope all turns out well!

[megcornell]

It may cost a little more, but every vet I know does "emergency" appointments. If you call and explain the situation I'm sure they can fit you in.
Also, make sure its a herp vet you're seeing. They see turtles every day and are much more adept at treating illnesses in them than your standard companion animal vet.

[RES4ever]

jenniebee9- I'm not sure what everyone else will tell you but my turt with RI is getting better after we began administering fish/aquatic animal ampicillin that we bought at the pet store. I'm not sure if you should do this because since you are bringing him to a vet you don't want the meds to react with each other and that wouldn't be good. Until you go you could try puting the turtle in a cardboard box with a towel on the bottom and put a heat lamp on it during the day and putting it back in the water at night. You also should raise the water temp. to about 80 - 83 degrees. (I've found that is the best range)

Your turtle's RI isn't as advanced as jisbmx's. Update us.

[Bascomb]

js-mix -- If this was a dating service I would agree with your vet. None of us have anything to gain, except, trying to help turtles and their owners. Most, know what they are talking about. However, listen to your vet. b.

[jisbmx]

it seemed like he was getting better with me taking him to the vet every 3 days. And then at night time, he was ok and alive, i turned off his light, went to sleep. when i woke up, he was already dead i dont think the vet was giving the right stuff, because right before this happened they suggested moving on to a different medication.

[octpusgirl8]

I'm so sorry that your turtle didn't make it. It's never easy to lose a pet, just remember that you did what you could for him.

[marisa]

I'm sorry you lost him.

[SpotsMama]

I'm very sorry to hear he didn't make it. It's really tough to help them when they get very ill. You should take comfort in knowing that you gave him good care.