Urgent Care :: Urgent: Sick baby Turtle

[Bevi1019]

I am writing in hopes that someone can help me out. I recently got 2 baby red ears and one of them has started to show signs of sickness. It started off as just being less active and less responsive to activity around it. Normally if I went near the tank it would jump off the dock and hide and a couple days ago it just didn't react. Since then I have not been able to get it to eat the eyes are swollen and sometimes won't open. Just today I noticed some bumps or blisters appearing on the legs and neck as well as what looks like a sore on the side of its mouth. I am headed to the pet store to get cod liver oil and eye drops and whatever else seems like it may be able to help. If anyone knows whats wrong or what I can do please give me some advice. I am very new to keeping turtles and I really want to save the little guy.




How big is your turtle? Inch and a half
How long have you had it? little over 1 week

What is the water temperature? 78
Did you use a thermometer? glass aquarium thermometer in the side furthest from the heater
Are you using a water heater? yes
How much water is in there? 40 gallon breeder about 6 inches deep
Are you using a water conditioner? I use water conditioner whenever I add water or do a water change
Are you using any filtration? yes

What is the basking temperature? 85
Is there a basking light? yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? 2 of them
What kind is it or what is it made out of? one is a resin mold the other floating wood
Is there a UVB light? yes

What have you been trying to feed it? pellets
When was the last time your turtle ate? 4 days ago

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 40 gallons
Is the tank near a window? a closed window with the blind down
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? no

Have you read the Basic Care section? yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms?

[steve]

It's unusual to have those symptoms appear suddenly. How is the other one doing?

[Bevi1019]

the other one seems completely fine plenty of energy and a health appetite I'm worried whatever the other one has might spread though

[steve]

I would have the same concern, so separation should be the next step. I'd also increase the water temperature to around 80-82F. Did the cod liver oil have any affect? Any chance you can get him outside for some unfiltered sunlight? I think you might also want to bring him to a herp vet.

[Bevi1019]

I have been bringing him outside for an hour or so each day unfortunately by the time I get home from work there isn't much time with direct sunlight left. I was unable to find the cod liver oil at local stores going to find out where I can get some, his eyes were open bout halfway today so I'm hoping at least the eyedrops helped. Also this is the first day where it seemed as though he didn't get any worse, no better but not worse at least.

[Bevi1019]

I'm looking online I see cod liver oil for dogs and cats is that the same stuff that I want?

[steve]

Health food stores, pharmacies, and large supermarkets will have some.

[Bevi1019]

Is there anything I can do to get it some nourishment since it won't eat on its own? He is so lethargic I can actually pry open his mouth and put food in but he still wont eat it.

[Bevi1019]

Well I'm sorry to say it but baby unnamed turtle is gone, I watched his last gasping breath. It's killing me that I was unable to save him but I am relieved the other is still showing no signs of any health issues. Thank you for the help and advice.

[steve]

I'm very sorry to hear it