Urgent Care :: Is my turtle sick?

[Mac]

Hi Steve,

I'm new to online posting so please forgive me if I am doing something wrong...

I am new to the world of turtles. Mine is a red ear sliders and although I have had it only a few months, I'm deeply attached to this little guy. He stopped eating a few days ago. Appears to be very quiet--doesn't get excited when I approach the tank, basks a lot more, and bobs his head and opens its mouth as if it is gasping. I have a call into a vet's office but have to wait until tomorrow. I'm very nervous. Any ideas as to what this could be? Trouble?

[SpotsMama]

Hi Mac,

Since Steve isn't on-line at the moment, I'm going to go ahead and give you my two-cents. Your slider is showing some of the classic symptoms of a respiratory infection. You're doing the right thing to take him to the vet. Only a vet can treat RI. If the vet agrees it's RI, he'll give a round of anti-biotics.

In the meantime, just keep your turtle warm - boost the water temperature up to 80 or 82 degrees - and give him peace and quiet. Keep him out of drafts.

Good luck! I know how attached you can get to a slider. We'll be thinking of you and pulling for you.

[redearninjaturtles]

my did the same thing! well the first thing i did when my turtle didnt eat was give him some tuna. he ate it! after a while he started to jerk and, like you said, gasps for air. i found out he had a respitory infection.

you may have to give him shots. its was sad for me and the turtle but it paid off and know my turtle is better!

[Mac]

Thanks so much for your responses. I'm headed to the vet today. He's getting weaker, unfortunately. I didn't suspect RI because there are no bubbles coming from his nose but I suspect you're right. Thank you again!

[octpusgirl8]

Good luck! We're all sending out best wishes for a speedy recovery!