redearslider.com

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?

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.

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!

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!

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