Urgent Care :: I think my turtle has a resp. infection,

[SCarter]

We have had our red ear slider for about a month now. She seemed sick to me for the first few weeks(not eating) but then a week ago she was swimming, chasing the feeder fish and eating. Today I notice she had her head laying down, seemed lifeless and was not longer eating. Then a few minutes ago she was opening her mouth and coughing. When she went in the water she just floated, and was tipping to one side so I took her out of the water and but her back in her basking area.

I turned up the heat to about 85, I cleaned the water and filter systems and checked her heat lamp and lighting. We don't have a herp vet anywhere near us, but I will take her to my vet in the morning. There are no vets in the area tonight. I am not sure what else to do for her. Should she be removed from her tank? Please help. We have never owned a turtle but we are trying to follow the best advice in taking care of her.

[steve]

Clean warm water is probably the best you can do right now without access to a vet. If she develops swimming problems, then she should be taken out of the tank as a precaution. Can you check to see if there's a local herp organization? They may be able to help direct you to the appropriate help.

[marisa]

If you have the water deep, lower the level so your turtle doesn't have to expend energy swimming. Which temp is 85F---the water or the basking area? If it's the water, I'd lower it a degree or two. If it's the basking area, I"d raise it to about 91-92F. Make sure he's not exposed to any drafts/breezes. Keep him warm until you get to a vet.