Urgent Care :: My turtle has been sick for 3 months.

[Frogism]

it USED to be in a 10 gallon tank with the other two turtles. My parents won't let me take them. period. 'they' are the many websites I researched on the web. What I'm confused is if he's not going to get better without medicine, how will a heater save him?

[Safdar]

Your right without medicine at the end if the infection is already spread through his lungs he wont survive
But the heater will warm the water which boosting his immune system giving him more time to fight the infection

[megcornell]

Frogism, in all honesty, given what you've said you're willing to do for this turtle (which amounts to very little, you already posted about what you refuse to buy, I don't remember you agreeing to buy anything) and given how long he has been sick, there is little chance that he will make it if you don't change something. You also posted that the water dips into the 60s, or so you estimate, as you don't have a thermometer. Those are deadly conditions for a turtle. It may be too late for you turtle already. I just really hope you consider the needs of a pet before taking one on again.

[xsavingsaturdayx]

Why is it that you cant take your turtle to a vet? Is money a problem? If so then you can mow some lawns, pawn some stuff in and ask the vet for a payment plan or something along those lines. You can also get the basic supplies like a water heater, filter, clamp lamp with a regular light bulb for heat at walmart for real cheap. You dont need a UVB light as long as you take them out in the sun for atleast 3 hours a week, maybe more.

But if your parents just dont want you to take your turtle to the vet then the least you can do is give the turtle up to someone who can take care of it. What state do you live in? City? I can help you find a rehabber (someone who nurses turtles back to health) but you will have to be prepared to give up the turtle..

To be honest with you, it doesnt sound like your turtle is going to survive very long unless you take action right away (a heater isnt going to save him). Try to find a warm room in your house where the water can be kept warm (best around 80 degrees) until you figure out what to do.

[industrial_girl_2000]

First off, I have to agree with what other people said here already.

Secondly, let's take a look at what a turtle in NATURE lives in: if you only have this turtle in 1/2 inch of water, that is terrible. Turtles are natural swimmers and love to swim. Baby RES's are born near lakes that are 10 FEET deep or more (yes, deeper than a swimming pool!). They don't live in 1/2 inch of water in nature. This turtle needs a minimum of a 20-gallon tank, filled at least 1/2 way up (that's approx. SIX inches of water in there).

IF your turtle has a respiritory infection (aka "turtle pneumonia"), without vet care, he will die slowly as he suffocates to death. I am not trying to be mean here. My first 2 turtles died slowly, over the course of a month, from pneumonia many yrs ago and it was very sad to watch them die like this. Thank goodness my parents were supportive & after the first one died (we didn't know he was sick), we took the other turtle to the vet. Many yrs ago, the vets didn't know how to treat reptiles so my 2nd turtle died also. That's when I found out that a $10 submersible HEATER to HEAT the water to 75-80 degrees would PREVENT pneumonia which would mean my next turtle would not have to die of this suffocating illness. 17 yrs later, I can tell you that a HEATER makes a HUGE difference as my Sheba is over 18 yrs old now and has NEVER had pneumonia. A heater is the best insurance you can buy for $10.

Turtles are animals. They can suffer, just like any animal would. I really hope you can convince your parents to take your turtle to the vet to give him the best chance at life & not suffering.

I'm not saying you are a bad person. I understand that you live with your parents & you have to live by their rules. I just hope you really think about whether it is a good idea to have a pet like a turtle, knowing that they require more care than just a goldfish.

[Opus]

[megcornell]

Opus, there are really more appropriate ways to post. Swearing and ranting when he hasn't even been online recently just makes you look bad. Very bad. Do yourself a favor and delete your own post before someone else does. And try to be more respectful in the future.
Everyone has posts (and posters) they disagree with, but they don't write asinine comments like yours. You can be critical but still mostly respectful on here.

[Opus]

How do you delete?it doesn't have a delete thing anywhere?and the way he said about the 20 gallon tank was the most irratating thing that I have ever heard of...............I am sorry to megcornell and the rest of the members.

I am sorry...............

[Tenodera]

lol don't worry about it. I was actually thinking the same thing you said but I didn't say it out.