Urgent Care :: growing res with a non growing shell

[punkingrl86]

hello, we have 2 res. they were both purchased about 4 months ago. they were both tiny (an inch each) now one has grown to about 2inches and the other one seems to be growing but his shell is staying the same size... he has odd lumps on his shell... it looks like his body is making his shell push out on the sides... he also can't get his head in his shell because he's big... he has to reach his neck out to swallow... I dont knoow what to do for him anymore... he's stopped eatting... ive moved him to a smaller tank but he didn't move in the larger one... he just sat there... he has no engery and just sleeps all day... i think he's dying... but i don't know how to save him.

How big is your turtle? 1 inch
How long have you had it? 4 months

What is the water temperature? 75
Are you using a water heater? yes
How much water is in there? enough that he can swim but if standing on the bottom he can breath
Are you using a water conditioner? yes
Are you using any filtration? yes

What is the basking temperature? 86
Is there a basking light? yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? stacking rocks
Is there a UVB light? yes

What have you been trying to feed it? it used to eat baby brine shrimp and krill and a couple pellets now and again... also lettuce...
When was the last time your turtle ate? about a week ago

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? moved from a 10 to a little 2 gallon
Is the tank near a window? no
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? yes

Have you read the Basic Care section? yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? he doesn't move... he sits in the water in the same place all the time... doesn't have the energy to go after food even when its placed infront of him... has a hard time swallowing




Please help! anything would be nice... i dont know what to do.

[SpotsMama]

Has he seen a vet?

[missibsu]

I think a vet visit is in order. It isn't normal behavior and should be checked out. I don't know where you purchased your turts from, but many of them are sick when purchased. RES are great at hiding symptoms. The sooner he is seen by a herp vet, the better.

[marisa]

From your description, it sounds like he may be in some stage of metabolic bone disease. Taking him to a herp vet for assessment and treatment would be the best thing to do.