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my res is 6 months old and has been mouth breathing and spending most of the day basking, so i know i need to take him to a vet as he probably has a resp infection. My question is -His cloaca is always open and nothing is coming out of it so I don't think it is prolapse. Is it normal for the cloaca to never close? what could be the cause of this? Is it related to the possible respritory infection?

By open what do you mean? Sometimes my turtle's cloaca is a little more dilated than normal but I don't think it's a serious issue.

I'd be more concerned about getting a vet appointment for the respiratory infection. Until you can get it, bump up the water temperature to around 80.

Welcome. How large is the cloaca's vent?

What is your turtle's set-up like----tank size, water temp, basking area temp, lighting, filtration, etc.?

The turtle is still very small (about 1 1/2 inches) so I don't know exactly what size the opening is- by by open, I mean open- it's never closed like the other 2 turtles I have of the same age.

Tank Size- 40 gallons- 3 small RES
Basking area temp- @90
UVB Light
Inside Filter
Turtle is still eating

I've never heard of such a thing. I don't see how it could be normal. Is he pooping like the others?

Even if you pick him up he doesn't close it to protect himself?
If he can't seem to work the muscles I don't see how he could be pooping.,, which would be a big concern.

If possible, can you post a picture of the underside of the tail when your turtle is dry?

FYI- after taking Diego to the vet for his RI- she told me as long as nothing is sticking out (prolapse) and he is going to the bathroom, there is nothing wrong with his cloaca always being open. She said it could be because he is sick and is contantly passing more water through it than normal.