Urgent Care :: Immediate HELP needed!

[tmann]

I'm new - please forgive lack of introduction.
My turtle is dying! Like on the brink of death any minute. Completely fine yesterday! Did a half water change yesterday due to some bugs I noticed (since found out they weren't harmful) and removed all gravel. Rearranged tank slightly. He has, up until now, been very active, swimming, hiding, eating, etc. doesnt bask when I'm around, but he's in a classroom tank and he's itty bitty (1.5 inch carapace)

Today I saw him listless at bottom of tank, didn't try to move when I reached in. I placed him on basking platform and he looked like he gasped once (mouth open then closed)..
He hasn't moved on his own since. eyes bulged looking (not eyeballs, around the eyes).

I don't have a vet for him yet - not sure where to turn to? WHat do I do???????? I'm afraid he has literally moments to live. Anyone know a rep vet in Brooklyn/NYC? I'm in Fort Greene.
Do I let him dry out? Will he overheat on his basking dock, or should I remove the heat lamp and just let him air out? How long can he stay out of water safely?

PLEASE!

[steve]

Was there a big change in water temperature? It's OK to be out of water, but again he should be somewhere warm.. around 75-80F.

There are a couple of vet recommendations here: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=32547&p=309362

[tmann]

Thanks!

My poor baby! It is possible the water temp changed - since I didn't wait for all the water to set overnight like I usually do - my ready supply was less than what I took out....

I did a quick google for herp vet in brooklyn and found that one I have taken my dog to handles reptiles, so I called them and got an immediate appointment. I am panicked though because I can't leave my class and had to send my student teacher with Oliver, I won't be getting the info first hand and I'm not there for his first visit. Also - I have a bunch of other questions for them, because he shows signs of overfeeding and I'm not sure if he's retaining scutes, or it's just that he isn't ready to shed fully yet....

He's at the doc now and I am waiting anxiously for some news. I am feeling less dramatic, and hoping that he's just sick and can be treated. It was just so scary to see him so lethargic. But, anytime I tried to touch him or move him (ie check he's still alive) he did move slightly, and I did see him breathing. Didn't get any info over phone as to possible diagnosis/prognosis, so still freaking out - I am not so patient, especially when worried.

[dumbork14]

I wish your turtle would push through. We're keeping our fingers crossed that he will be okay. Good luck.

[tmann]

I'm so sad! Just had a voicemail from my student teacher that they have to euthanize. His heart rate was at 30 and should be at 80, they tried calcium and sugar and no response. I can't call the vet yet to find out more.

I hate that this is my fault. He was so healthy yesterday! Only difference was water change.

[steve]

I'm very sorry to hear it

[The Troops]

So sorry to hear! I wouldnt blame yourself.

[Leo&Donny]

Just came across this post, and want to send my condolences...my first turtle Leo #1 past away about 3 weeks ago, and my girlfriend and I felt so guilty because we didn't even know he was sick! We still miss him very much. All I can advise is to move forward and stick to weekly water changes and give the little ones a lot of attention! Best of luck on your future turtles if any...