Urgent Care :: Very worried about Turtle

[eazyegee]

How big is your turtle? As big as a quarter
How long have you had it? Since January so 5 months

What is the water temperature? 80 degrees
Are you using a water heater? Yes
How much water is in there? 11 1/2 inches
Are you using a water conditioner? No
Are you using any filtration? Yes

What is the basking temperature? 90-94
Is there a basking light? Yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? Yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? Those basking docks I think wood
Is there a UVB light? Yes

What have you been trying to feed it? Yes
When was the last time your turtle ate? I think today I didn't see it eat but the food I left was gone.

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 20 gal
Is the tank near a window? No
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? Somewhat

Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? No

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? Sleeping all day, no eating, no swimming, no basking, once the basking lights are off it climbs on the center of the dock where it doesn't meet with the water.


My turtle hasn't eaten for 2 days now. He doesn't swim around or bask. I think he ate today because I didn't see the food I left on the dock there for him when I came back from going out. Probably because it was shrimp. He's always sleeping. He won't run away from my hand when I put it in there like regular.

[xsavingsaturdayx]

The temperature of everything sounds okay - but your turtles behavior doesnt. I realy think the turtle is sick, probably a RI. Your turtle shows some symptoms of it, your best chance at saving the little guy would be to take it to a vet as soon as possible.

On the meanwhile, you might want to dip a pellet in something smelly like tuna, or catfood and see if with the strong smelly scent, he eats. Or you can try feeding him a live worm. Either way this wont cure the turtle, its just a tip to get him to eat so he doesnt starve himself. Again, phone a couple of vets..get him help.

Good luck.

[DavidY]

The basking temp seems a little high, maybe you should lower it to about 90 degrees.

[eazyegee]

I can't control it too well but he seems to bask. Sometimes it's at 92 and then it goes back down to 90. I don't know it may be the thermomiter but I'll try.

[xsavingsaturdayx]

I think 94 is fine, if your turtle basked before comfortably then he probably didnt mind it being a little too warm.

[eazyegee]

I put him on the dock a couple minutes ago where he basks and he has his eyes open and I put a pellet there. I'm waiting to see if he eats it, he's not facing it.

[SpotsMama]

I agree with xsavingsaturdayx - your turtle's behavior is worrisome. It's unusual for a little bitty turtle not to run like mad when he sees a hand reaching for him. They're usually pretty shy at that age. If it were me I'd be making a vet appointment to get him checked. There are a number of possibilities. Just like with people, turtles can get different illnesses.

In the meantime, keep him warm and out of drafts and avoid stressing him as much as you can - for example, don't pick him up unless you need. Keep his water very clean. Try to entice him to eat. Here are some tips for getting a turtle to eat. If you are worried that he's not eating it would be ok - for a short time - to offer him things that are usually considered only treats just to get some calories in him.

http://www.redearslider.com/entice_eating.html

Good luck. Keep us posted.

[eazyegee]

Today he got off his dock and started swimming. But he swam on his side. This happened to me before with my other turtle. It died He's showing iterest in food but I'm taking him to the vet.

[DavidY]

That's good you're taking him to the vet. It sounds like RI which is fatal if not treated quickly. I hope he pulls through okay.

[SpotsMama]

Ooooo - floating on his side is one of the key symptoms of an RI. I agree with DavidY, he needs to see a vet right away. The usual treatment is a round of antibiotics. It's a good sign that he's swimming some and showing some interest in food - it means he still has some energy. Keep him warm and clean and stress free and we'll keep our fingers crossed for you.

[xsavingsaturdayx]

I agree with spotsmama and david. That little guy needs a vet ASAP. I hope he pulls through..you will be in my thoughts.

[industrial_girl_2000]

Best of luck. Let us know what the vet says.

[kmichael55]

also, turtles have to eat in water, can't swallow it otherwise...could be partially why he is not eating, hope everything turns out ok though

[eazyegee]

OK the vet said I got it too young and it didn't develope it's immune system well. So maybe it could survive. So I'm waiting. It's been sick on and off since I got it. I didn't know who I got it from since I took it off one of my friends who didn't want it.

[SpotsMama]

Poor baby! I know you're treating him well so if he makes it it's because you cared. Good luck. We'll keep our fingers crossed for you.