Urgent Care :: Help think the RES I am watching for the school ate a rock!

[Yurtle]

Sorry, I didn't answer any of the other questions but right now I am scared and I am trying to get my head together. I thing that the RES I am watching for the school ate a rock. I didn't know that you shouldn't put rocks or gravel in their tank. The owner of the pet shop told me that it would be okay as long as they were a certain size and she picked them out, I paid and thought all was good, but after about 3 days I noticed he was acting very aggitated and his appetite has decreased. Thought it was because I cleaned his tank or something. After 2 more days he is still acting the same way. I feel absolutely terrible and scared for him that he may be in pain. One of the reasons I think there is a rock in there is because his rectum area looks bulged and his tail is sticking straight out and normally he seems to like it tucked. I don't know what to think. I would take him to a vet, but it is after midnight and have no one to call. Please help if you have any advice. Thanks.

[Nettle]

I'm pretty sure the only thing you can do is go to the vet.

How many inches is he?

[Yurtle]

His shell is about 4 - 5 inches long.

[Yurtle]

Does this type of situation usually cause death?

[Nettle]

I'd try to schedule an appointment with a vet a.s.a.p. and ask him to take an x-ray to check for impaction. It could be constipation, but it sounds like impaction.

Here's a link to the impaction issue (scroll down):
http://redearslider.com/eating_digestive_behavior.html

Let us know if anything changes.

[Yurtle]

Thank you so much, I'll check out.

[Nettle]

No problem. Here's a link for vet listings. I hope there's one near you.
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=370

And yes, unfortunately impaction is fatal. I really hope he either passes it or the vet can help. Good luck!

[Yurtle]

Does this type of situation usually cause death?

[Yurtle]

i dont know

[Yurtle]

thank you

[mikee]

Ytle -- Most of the time when a turtle eats a rock he can pass it. That is what happens in the wild. But when he can not pass it, it will kill him. I am afraid the this is a vet visit and a little rear work.