Urgent Care :: What Really Causes RI?

[darla1699]

It seems that majority of the owners here had their turtle die of RI despite the proper set up. So what really causes RI? It is just frustrating and sad to read that despite proper care (considering the huge investment in turtle care) and vet intervention turtles still get sick and die. It is an emotional rollercoaster to go through this. You suspect RI but can't be sure until it is too late to do anything. Especially when symptoms come and go.

[Murdock76]

I am not a vet and I have never owned turtles till recently but in the past month I have spent more time reading and care of my new babies than I would have ever expected. With that said in all the info I have obtained that RI with red eared turtles comes from lack of proper environment, but If you choose to have this or any type of turtle as a pet you should make the time is taken to observe the things they do till they are comfortable and accustomed to their new environment. There are all types of problems that can develop when arriving as babies to a new place. My reason for saying all this is if the signs of any illness are caught right away and you as an owner have the time and are willing to do all you can to help your little ones to be healthy swimming, basking, and happy RES's it just takes the effort. I am not saying all cases are the same but there are many signs that show there is a problem and soon they are seen the better chance they have to be helped. I had sent away for 3 babies last month within days even with the right environment had developed eye infections a foot bacterial infection and one has an RI. Heartbreaking as it was the vet cost was not something I could afford. I looked into everywhere read as much as I could and asked MANY question to the owner of the company I had gotten the babies from.(He was very helpful) and I treated the two in segregated dry areas treated them twice a day with eye cleaning, water as needed and trying to get them to feed. Now I am proud to say they are all living in same tank very happy, and very healthy! I hope that was some help or at least hope for some who might have ill baby RES's!

[steve]

I think it's inaccurate to suggest it's a leading cause since it is difficult to diagnose properly. Veterinary care for reptiles is far behind what's available and understood about cats and dogs too.

[Murdock76]

I am sorry If It seemed that I do not believe that Veterinary care is the best option. I would also say any pet owner should not hesitate to bring their loved one to a professional as soon as possible. I wanted to just express how important and helpful it is to know all you can about the pet you have or are looking to have so you are aware of what things to look for to make sure they are healthy and treated before an illness might be fatal. It seems like I've found numerous information about turtle owners not having proper info or things needed and many untreated turtles or even worse just let into the wild. They are very sensitive and are well worth any money and time spent with them.

[steve]

I agree with part of your initial statement. As for returning sick ones (as I understand it), it is well within your rights. We all need to consider their habitat and veterinary costs as part of keeping an "inexpensive" pet.

Welcome to the forum!

[The Troops]

I was reading a book written in 06 I bought from a herp Dr's office yesterday and it stated the best way to cure RI is bumping up the water temp and basking area temp by 5 deg and getting them a shot from a properly trained vet. Also, it stated to check the water cconditions and keep it as clean as possible. Most RI infections come from drafty area where the tank may be located in conjunction with improper water conditions. Also these conditions can cause pneumonia, so vet visits are the best thing to find out what your turtle really has.


If i keep reading this book (about 175pgs), I might be able to figure out whats wrong with my one little guy

[steve]

Do you remember which book it was?

[The Troops]

I will let you know when I get home I dont have a computer at home right now due to video card going bad and I been using either my cellphone to update threads or my work computer to upload photos.

[The Troops]

The first book I read was called "Aquatic Turtles" by David Kirkpatrick. Now I am currently reading "Aquatic Turtles A complete pet owners manual" by Hartmut Wilke. You'd figure they'd be more original with naming their books Next ones I will be reading is "Turtles in captivity" by Russ Gurley & "AquatIc Turtles Sliders, cooters, painted & Maps" by R.D Bartlett. I LOVE to read and become as knowledgeable as possible about anything I have or going to venture into. And when you basically have the life of something in your hands, it's well worth buying a "few" books My children love to sit in front of the tank and do their homework. They said it's relaxing and peaceful, which it surely is.. Now, reading these book wont make me a expert, but it will make sure I dont mess up to bad

[darla1699]

hi The Troops. you got me interested in the books you mentioned as I love to read myself. Just want to know if the books provide additional information apart from what you can get in this forum? Which of the three would you recommend the most? Can you share some information from what you've read? Just curious. Thanks

[steve]

Let me know how they are, I'd like to add to the list here: http://www.redearslider.com/reading_list.html

[The Troops]

So far, the 2 I have read... Really informative. Both actually get into detail about all the different shell, respiratory & other issues and what causes them. Couple parts contradict each other between books.. Like the UVB-UVA lighting and needing it & not needing it., But , thats why you read multiple and take advice from people who has had them longer

My wife really thinks it's funny. She says im reading these things like she read the Twilight series

hi The Troops. you got me interested in the books you mentioned as I love to read myself. Just want to know if the books provide additional information apart from what you can get in this forum? Which of the three would you recommend the most? Can you share some information from what you've read? Just curious. Thanks

I have not read all yet. Information is everywhere and it's really "opinions" of others and what they think is really the best thing. it's just like the Tomato pronunciation thing As I said, they are really informative and dont get into depth in pure homecare cures of any illness, but give the info on preventative and the precautions to take while waiting for vet care. Never mentions medication names or products to use. It says to speak to a vet for that info No one wants to get in trouble by publishing a "home cure" for RI. which there is none, but some things to do while waiting to see the vet are bumping the water temp and basking area by 5 deg will help keep it from getting worse.

[darla1699]

Thanks The Troops