General Care Discussion :: Much-Older Turtle Constipated!

[rozrus]

Hi RES folks,

I'm posting this on behalf of my housemate (who is the "legal" pet parent) re: his quite-old RES turtle, Turtleneck. She's almost 30 years old, and was diagnosed with MBD (Metabolic Bone Disease) in 2020; however my housemate hasn't done much to slow down or stop this serious condition, nor does he pay much attention to her! I help my housemate with the feeding, and give Turtleneck as much affection/attention as I can. Unfortunately, over the past few months, she's become more and more constipated, to the point now where she's ongoingly impacted (she hasn't "pooped" for almost 3 weeks!). Because of her advanced age, and her lack of activity (she doesn't walk around much, when she's out of the water), is it worthwhile to take her to a qualified reptile Vet.? My housemate keeps Turtleneck in a 25 Liter container, with a reptile bulb/lamp, and an underwater heater. He changes her water every 4 days or so. In Hope and Gratitude, Roslyn.

[steve]

A vet would be able to confirm if there is any blockage, and hopefully offer care to resolve it. If the turtle is beyond your housemate's ability to care for it, I would look into a way to rehome the turtle though that is no easy task.

[rozrus]

Thanks very much, Steve. I really appreciate your sage advice! I'll do my best to persuade my housemate to take Turtleneck to the Vet, or take her there myself! Gratefully, Roslyn.

[steve]

Turtleneck is very luck to have you! I hope you both do well.