Urgent Care :: help with my new hatchling....

[christiansmommy]

We bought Lucy yesterday afternoon, at the time she looked great. Now this morning while going to feed her and my other RES Ralph ( who isnt all that much larger than Lucy) I noticed that one of her eyes wasn't opening, while the other was. I went to call the pet shop where I got her ( they don't usually take returns or exchanges) but they weren't open yet. I then went back to take a picture of it to show everyone and it was open. I don't know if that is normal or not. The temp of the water is 78 degrees. and basking area is about 86. She seems to be okay, though swimming and basking, she hasn't eaten today yet though, which I know is normal when they get a new home. If you have any idea if this normal please let me know.

[marisa]

The eyelid could have been stuck shut (from dried fluid), don't really know why it happened. You need to observe Lucy to see if this happens again/is happening frequently. Also watch for other symptoms---frequent yawning, open-mouth breathing when out of the water, bubbles from the nose or mouth, wheezing, lack of activity, for example, which would likely indicate she's sick. If you notice symptoms, find a herp vet.

How big is Lucy (and how big is Ralph)? What size tank are they in (I'm assuming they're together)? It would have been good to quarantine Lucy for several months just to make sure she doesn't have anything Ralph could catch...

[christiansmommy]

Lucy is about an inch and a half and Ralph is about 2 and a half. Right now I have them in a 10 gallon. I am in the process of getting them a 75 gallon tank. I am waiting to hear from the guy selling it ( I am waiting cus its a tank and stand for 100 bucks) if I cant get in touch with him in about a week I'll be getting a 55 gallon. I went out shopping and when I got back Lucy was basking and I picked her up to look at her eye, and it looks like something (like a film.) is on her eye on the top of it, not her actual eye but the outter rim it doesnt look like it hurts her when I touch it though, and she is still showing no signs of sickness.

[steve]

It's normally recommended to quarantines new turtles. You should also consider separating them in case it is infectious or if it leaves Lucy vulnerable. Does it look like a physical injury? What is Ralph's reaction to Lucy? Can you post a picture?

[christiansmommy]

I did take a picture, but for some reason my usb thing isn't working right, I'll have my husband look at it when he gets home from work. It does kinda look like she may have hurt it. Ralph is okay with her from what i have seen. she has been basking alot and he stays in the water for the most part ( he always has).