redearslider.com

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.

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.

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.