Urgent Care :: Help.

[scatterbrainxx]

I have two baby turtles that are red eared sliders. I bought both of them at the same time and one of them has turned really inactive. I have a strong feeling he's sick, but I really don't know what's wrong. He hasn't been eating much and all he really does is bask in light. His brother has outgrown him and tripled in his size, while he is still the same size as I first got him. He opens his mouth constantly and sometimes even foams at the mouth.

The major problem is, I can't take him to the vet because my parents can't afford it. I'm 16 years old and I've been paying the expenses for my turtles all on my own ever since I got them. I guess I'm wondering if there's any medication you might recommend that is affordable in some sort of Pet Store. If not, I was wondering exactly, what are my options?

[Sgt. Pepper]

It sounds like the symptoms of respiratory infection, which needs a vet's attention. I don't know if there's a whole lot you can do to fix it on your own. I'd definitely separate him from the other turtle though.

[Starchick]

First thing, separate him from the healthy turtle, and boost the temp in your tank closer to 80, that'll help his immune system in the meantime. Then call around to vets in your area and find out if they have experience with turtles, and ask for a quote. My vet charges 30-40 for an exam, and 15 for a week's worth of medication. A vet may be willing to work out some kind of payment plan considering your circumstances.

[marisa]

Keep him in his own set-up and keep him warm---water temp 82F and basking area 90-91F. The added warmth will help him fight the infection. Keep getting him to eat something. If you can keep the water the same temp as the tank water and not expose him to cool air, you could feed him in a separate container of water that's had some liquid vitamins added (Poly-vi-Sol, for children is OK to use), but this in itself won't cure the infection.

If he has mucus coming out of his mouth, he really needs to be seen by a herp vet for antibiotics (don't just buy something from a petstore). Call around, fees can vary.

[scatterbrainxx]

Ah well, it's been about 2 1/2 weeks since this post about my sick turtle and I really don't know if he's doing okay. I raised up the temperatures and he seems to be eating a little now but I really don't know if the sickness has gotten worst because now he is swimming lopsided.

My parents won't take me to a vet because they aren't that serious about my turtle as much as I am. I don't really have the money to take him to a vet. The closest vet near by costs $100+ and I don't have that kind of money. I've been trying to get a job but it hasn't been turning out too well. My family doesn't really have the money either since they recently lost their jobs working for the same company.

What I've been doing lately is treating him with Turtle Sulfa-Dip and feeding him these Anti-Parasite Pellets my dad told me to feed him even though I don't think that's really helping because he doesn't have a parasite. I've raised up the water up to 85F degrees and the tank temp to 90F degrees.

Is there anything else I could do to help him fight the sickness?

[megcornell]

The fact that he's still eating is a positive sign. Unfortunately other than raising the water temp to give their immune system a boost, there isn't anything else you can do without seeing a vet.
Have you asked around to see if there is a payment plan available? Sometimes vets allow that. You could also ask for the vet visit as an early holiday gift.
Good luck.

[SpotsMama]

I'm so sorry you and your turtle are having such a bad time. I agree with the others that there's not much you can do without seeing a vet. Is there any way you could do chores or odd jobs to pick up some money? Or make some sort of arrangement with a vet to work it off?

Until you can work out some way to get him to a vet, make sure he stays warm, very clean, avoid stress (don't pick him up unless you have to), and make sure he keeps eating. If he stops eating try to entice him with things you'd normally only give him for treats like shrimp and tuna.

Actually, some parasite infections have similar symptoms to RI. RI is the most likely problem but the vet should also check for parasites. It's even possible your guy has both.

Have you separated your sick turtle from the well one? Whatever he has is probably contageous. If the well one hasn't caught it by now you sure want to keep him from it.

If you manage to get to a vet, here's a standard caution: If the vet offers to give a vitamin A shot, first make sure the vet is positive your turtle really needs vitamin A and then discuss other alternatives to shots with the vet like eye drops with vitamin A, cod liver oil or food supplements. Several turtles have recently had very bad reactions to vitamin A shots and I think it's best that if vitamin A is needed (and often it's not) the safer methods be used instead.

[scatterbrainxx]

Well ever since I found out my turtle was sick, I did separate it from the other one immediately.

Do you think it will be too late to go see a vet now? It's been quite awhile since my turtle had this sickness.

[industrial_girl_2000]

Ah well, it's been about 2 1/2 weeks since this post about my sick turtle and I really don't know if he's doing okay. I raised up the temperatures and he seems to be eating a little now but I really don't know if the sickness has gotten worst because now he is swimming lopsided.

The fact that he is swimming lopsided means he has a collapsed lung. It is one of the final stages of RI & once they get to this stage, usually they don't make it (especially when they are small).

Having said all that, depending on how strong he is, he could still pull thru given the right vet treatment. I wish you the best of luck.

[marisa]

You said above that you can't take your turtle to a vet. If that's changed, and now you can, it's not too late to have him looked at, the sooner the better.

[industrial_girl_2000]

I agree with Marisa. Having him looked at would still be a good idea & if possible, take the other turtle with you too. Even if they only shared the tank for a short period of time, the healthy one could still be developing an illness. RI is very catching. Vet may want to do a short round of treatment on the "healthy" one as well just to be sure.

[scatterbrainxx]

You said above that you can't take your turtle to a vet. If that's changed, and now you can, it's not too late to have him looked at, the sooner the better.

Well I've compromised with some people to lend me money or have an "early xmas gift".

I think I'll look into a vet now. Thanks very much for all the help and everything!