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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.

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.

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.

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