Urgent Care :: shell color looks wierd to me...

[Faebaby]

He was given to my sons a month ago for their birthday. Petsmart gives you 2 weeks to bring it back if there is something wrong with it. Unfortunately he didn't start really showing any drastic symptoms till a couple of days ago. He's still very active though. I'll try though. There aren't any reptile organizations that I know of. My local pet stores don't even sell that many reptiles of any kind. I know of one pet store that sells RES's, but I'll never go in there again. If you saw the condition the man keeps his turts in you wouldn't either (20 RES in 120 gal shallow tank in 3 inches of grimy water. The poor things were climbing all over each other to keep out of the water it was so filled with waste it was swamp green) I've been trying to find out if the ASPCA has jurisdiction there. I'm going to call this vet tomorrow to see if he knows if there are any herp vets close by, or if he can take him. Even if it is almost an hour away, I never take in an animal I'm not going to do my best for (at one time I had 6 dogs, a bird, a snake, a hamster, and 2 iguanas, all throw aways. People think I'm running a home for wayward animals). I'll keep everyone posted on what I ind out. If there's a herp vet closer I'll list it for everyone

[Faebaby]

I just got off of the phone with Petsmart 24 hour customer service. I was told to take Toby in to my local store and explain the circumstances and his disease. Legally, they are responsible, because he had some of the markings when he was first purchased. However, more than likely all they will do is refund my money, or replace the turtle. Each store has it's own policy. The lady I spoke with is talking to her supervisors at corperate to see what else can be done and is going to call me back tomorrow. She also wants to know what the store said so that she can note it in the report (the store is in TROUBLE!) Luckily she is also an RES owner and went through a similar thing and is very sympathetic. She also suggested I take him to the vet inside the store and tell them as well to see what they say and if they will treat him because it was "store error". Here's hoping I can save the squirt...Pray for him.

[SpotsMama]

You and Toby are in my thoughts. I hope it all turns out well. It looks like you're doing all you can to make it right.

[the_orphaned]

Looksbad. Hope he gets treatment soon. Though I wouldn't suggest giving him back... they might just "dispose" of him.

[Faebaby]

Petsmart is an evil organization who doesa NOT take responsibility for itself. The only thing they are willing to do is "dispose" of my turtle for me. No health care for Toby, nothing!!!! The vets in this area are almost as bad. Because I can't dish out almost $400 at one time, ( I have 3 kids for God's sake!) they are willing to let my poor turt die by not even looking at him. However, there is maybe some good news. The patches of orange are flaking off leaving behind decently healthy looking shell with good coloring. He is still quite active, and has a good appetite. The spots on his back are now more green brown than orange and he is still on an everlasting quest to escape his tank by any means at his disposal. In fact he is more active than I have ever seen him. He doesn't seem to be suffering at all. In fact I think he's more annoyed by my attemts to help than anything. Here's hoping we were all wrong. And if not, that he'll be OK til I can come up with $400. (2 weeks)

[CountryGirl68]

Is that $400 for just the initial visit? How can they get away with charging that much money????

[Faebaby]

That's including all the tests and him staying there for that. It was an estimate, including treatment. They told me there was no point in them seeing and diagnosing him if I couldn't pay for treatment. At one vet I tried to get a line of credit that's kind of like 90 days same as cash, but was denied. I just wonder when it all became about money, instead of what most vets got into the feild for, helping animals. Used to, vets would work with you

[marisa]

If he's not displaying any symptoms, and is active and eating, it doesn't really sound like septecemia. The plastron looks like it has a red stain on it (and the seam looks fine). Don't know about the carapace, but if the color is changing to one that's more normal, perhaps this is some kind of deposit (mineral or otherwise). The red won't rub off at all?

[Faebaby]

nope. It's kinda like a stain in tile or something like that. It got worse once I put waste degrader in the water. Can turts get an allergic reaction maybe. Also since I put that in the water, that tank has been growing algae. Maybe that could be causing it. He was out of his tank most of the day, and that's when the improvements began. I'll stop putting it in the water and see if it gets better. We are moving at the end of the week and he'll be moving 2 times this month ( a bigger tank, better set up) I hope the stress won't worsen the condition, but there's no help for it

[the_orphaned]

Hmmmm. Do not dechlorinate the water or put in waste degraders for now, the chlorine helps in killing off bacteria and is really not that harmful to turts I believe. Normal tap water is fine for them.

$400 is too much for the vet. Is his shell smelly? Soft? No symptoms of septecemia? Maybe he is just recovering? I really don't know but I hope Toby gets better soon. Just take care in moving him so his condition wont get worse because of stress.

I'll try and get some info on home treatment for septecemia just to be safe. I'll post whatever I can find.

[tinkersumx]

I'm so sorry you have to go through this. It must be so frustrating. I found this maybe you can call and see if he's any better

Vet Name: Brad Wilson, DVM
Practice Name: The Veterinary Clinic West
Telephone: (770)424-5484
Address: 763 Whitlock Ave.
Marietta, GA 30064

[Faebaby]

he seems to be alright for now. I hope he stays that way. And yes it is VERY frustrating. People think just because he's not furry and cuddly that he can't be a beloved family pet. But the more I had him in the sun yesterday the better the top of his shell looked. I got the cheapo lights when we got him. I'm going to go get some better lights tomorrow. Also he's outgrown his tank, so this month that's on the shopping list as well. I have a large one (been taking notes from the forum he he he). I'm thinking even if he doesn't make it, I'll get another RES for the boys. But THIS time I'll get pet insurance as soon as I get him. As well as everything he needs and the best of it right off the bat. But I sure as hell am not buying it at Petsmart! Luckily they ARE contacting all the owners who bought turts from the same batch. Its something at least.

[marisa]

Way back when there was a member who's turtle had something that looked similar, at least on the plastron. The turtle seemed fine, and he wasn't worried about it (the turtle came from a pet store that way, if I remember correctly)---the "stain" has to be pointed out in photos that were posted.

[Faebaby]

Do you remember what happened? If he ever posted it. I'd like to know if I'm supposed to be freaking out or not. Until I know for sure I think I'll remain calm. Doesn't do any good to get worked up anyway. I'm upset enough at doctors and vets without adding more. Been on the phone with pediatricians, vets, mortgage people. It's been a rough day

[marisa]

Don't know what happened to him, but the issue was not with the stain. He just posted a picture of his turtles and you could see the coloring on the plastron. He wasn't worried about it.

Your turtle is still doing well, eating and active? If so, like you said, there's no sense in freaking out.