Urgent Care :: Sick?

[MikeMagic]

My turtle has been basking almost constantly lately and not eating. This behaviour is rather unusual for him. Lately he has begun sorta vomiting too. Not actual vomit just saliva around the corners of his mouth.

How big is your turtle?
7 inches
How long have you had it?
18yrs
What is the water temperature?
75
Are you using a water heater?
yes
How much water is in there?
50-60 gallons
Are you using a water conditioner?
No
Are you using any filtration?
Yes 2 Fluval 4plus

What is the basking temperature?
Unsure but its always been the same
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?
Is there a UVB light?
Yes

What have you been trying to feed it?
Sticks, carrots and different types of fish...
When was the last time your turtle ate?
Not sure...usually I don't watch him eat but probably a week now.
How big is the tank/pond/enclosure?
90 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?
No, if I set him in the water he seems happy but he doesn't stay there long.

[camee1991]

MikeMagic..do you have gravel in your tank? Possibly ingested gravel? If so, take it out immediately.

My opinion would be to feed your res and *watch* him eat (if he does) then make sure he pooos....

Has he been yawning alot or making noises unusually? Could be an Resp. Infection.

Also, have you possibly just cleaned / changed the water or anything in the tank that would be a change for him? Turtles respond differently when things are rearranged in the tank as well as with water changes.

I would check this out asap! Then call a vet! (Especially if this is NOT normal for him.)

Keep us posted!

Camee

[MikeMagic]

No gravel, and yeah I did a water change. I'm gonna try feeding him some salmon or something he usually goes crazy for. And not much yawning but he makes weird noises before he kinda spits up. I'll probably have to take him to a vet.

[camee1991]

Does he normally act strange after water changes?
Yeah trying the salmon or tuna would be a good start! Wait around 20 minutes at least to make sure he is *going*...
Ive really not heard much about the spitting up ever. Only if he had the "yawning" part going on, I would suspect an R.I.

If he is in a tank with others and you have another to get him into to seperate them until and after the vet visit. I would do this. R.I.'s are VERY contagious!

Good Luck!!!!!

[SpotsMama]

If it were me I'd get that turtle to a herp vet as soon as possible. Lethargy, not eating, and mucus around the mouth or nose are key symptoms of a respiratory illness, or they could be symptoms of other illnesses. At any rate, you know your turtle isn't acting quite right. If he's really sick only a vet will be able to treat him.

Good luck! You've done awfully well to bring him so far!

[grey goose]

I don't mean to alarm you but that saliva/discharge from the mouth could be very serious. It could be a lung infection, Necrotizing pneumonia (VERY BAD), or Stomatitos (my spelling may be off on that one, it's also called mouth rot). I'd get him to a good herp vet ASAP.....

[MikeMagic]

So I took him to the vet as suggested. They did a mouth swab of the saliva discharge and sent it out to be tested. They also gave him a vitamin A shot and an anti-biotic shot. I have to give him a shot every 3 days for the next 3 weeks as well. I'm gonna put him in new housing later today as well so I can be sure its sterile. The vet said she can't guarantee he'll turn around but he's been much more active today then any other in recent memory so maybe that's something.

[octpusgirl8]

I'm so glad you're doing everything you can to get him better, i'm sending out lots of good wishes for you and your turtle!

[SpotsMama]

I'll be thinking of you and your turtle. Good luck and keep us posted.

[grey goose]

Push the water temp up to about 78-80F. Also check the basking area temp and set that to around 90F.....Try offering some krill or other smelly treat. Good luck.

[DavidY]

Wow, you've had him for 18 years! That's great! You must be very attached to him. That's a good sign that he's more active after your visit to the vet. I really hope he pulls through! Keep up the great work!

[yertle_the_girl_turtle]

He sounds like he's doing alot better, now. Keep us posted!

[MikeMagic]

So I setup a rubbermaid container with reduced water so he can stick his head out if he's on the bottom. I got a stronger bulb for heat and put the water temperature up to 80. So far he's been just looking around at his new surroundings. But he's been sick a lot less frequently and seems very calm and less lethargic. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed and will attempt food tomorrow and keep us his meds. Thanks to everyone for their advice and well wishes...I'll post an update again in a few days.