Urgent Care :: New RES sick????

[Steve C]

I got 2 new RES's from petco last weekend and one is refusing to eat. I started them out in a "starter kit". I moved the one that is not eating into a 175 gal tank last night. He seems very active and alert. I do notice some mouth breathing, but none of the bubbles stick. He is about 4.5". Is this turtle just adjusting to his new enviorment or can he be sick.
Current tank set-up

175gal tank 72x20x18 12"deep water with river rock and live plants.
2 floating zoo-med docks 1 at each end of the tank
Basking area w/75w bulb and uva/uvb
Current water temp of 81f taken at the center of the tank I started at 78
1 fluval 205 filter
1 cascade 1000 filter
Filters are placed at both ends of the tank

Thanks for any help guys.

[megcornell]

Has the one that isn't eating now ever eaten? Or has he not eaten since you bought him last weekend. A week isn't too long of an adjustment period, it can take new turtles a while to get used to new surroundings. When he opens his mouth is that when he's basking or coming up to the surface? At times, my turtle blows small bubbles when she's surfacing... I think bubbles indicating illness are more mucous-like and they tend to appear in and out of the water. And, the fact that he's active is a good sign.
I think the best thing to do is to keep them separated (in case one is ill) and watch the non eater for any other signs of illness like lethargy, excessive basking, lopsided swimming etc. But, I think it's probably just his nerves from his new home causing him not to eat.

[SpotsMama]

I agree with megcornell. And in case you haven't seen them, here are some ideas to help entice eating:

http://www.redearslider.com/entice_eating.html

Is it possible he's eating when you're not around? Some turtles are shy and won't eat in front of people until they get very comfortable.

Water temp is good, in fact it sounds like you've got a turtle's dream of a setup. If he starts acting lethargic, exhibits eye irritation, or displays any of the other key symptoms of illness, then you may need to make a trip to the vet. Do you know of a qualified (knows about herps) vet you can go to in case you need one?

Let us know in a couple of more days if he's still not eating. Sooner or later he needs to eat!

[Steve C]

I put a few minnows in the tank today to see if he will eat them. I count the pellets when I put them in the tank. The same amount were still in there 2 hours later when I took them out. I'll post some pics later tonight.

[industrial_girl_2000]

Keep an eye on the open mouth breathing. If he is out of the water & opening his mouth periodically to gasp for air, that is a sign of turtle pneumonia ("respiritory illness) which requires a round of antibiotics at the vet. If he has this illness, you can not solve it at home. It will require a vet visit.

[Steve C]

Ok He's still not eating, I tried giving him pellets and tuna directly into his mouth and he justs spits them back into the water. I have also noticed no poop in the tank. I found a herp vet not too far from me and I am going to call them tomarrow if he does not begin eating. He does mouth breate out of the water at times. Other than the not eating he seems to be alert. When he swims he moves quickly and seems to be fairly level. Am I being too nervous? I have also noticed some shedding if that means anything.

[SpotsMama]

I think you should go to the vet. That's what I would do. Breathing through the mouth is not good. If he's sick but still energetic that's very good - means he's got a chance if he gets good treatment right away.

[RunninWideOpen]

Does it look like he's breathing through his mouth? Or just opening his mouth? My turtles yawn quite frequently....I guess I'm just too boring for them.

I agree a vet visit may be a good idea. Early treatment is imporant for their chances of survival. A lot of times they don't show symptoms until its almost too late.

He probably won't take food from your hands right now, and he probably won't even eat while you're around. It's good that your counting pellets and keeping track so you know if he eats.

I'm also thinking a 175 gallon tank may be a little big while you're trying to get him to eat. When I first got Donny and Spike they spent a lot of time at the bottom of the tank or hiding behind things. They weren't really interested or looking for food. If I had them in a really big tank like that they probably never would have found the food.

[Steve C]

Well I just got home from the vet, Charles has a RI infection, and some small sores on his skin under his legs. They gave him a shot and some medicines for me to give him. Hopefully he will make a ful recovery. Now I just have to go to Petco and see if they will cover my vet bill, I hope they will being I only bought the turtle a week ago.

[megcornell]

I'm glad you followed your instinct and took him to the vets. The earlier the infection is caught and the more aggressively you treat it, the better the turtle's chances, so it's great you went early.
I hope you have some luck at the petstore, it's obvious the turtle was purchased ill, I just hope they are respectable and do the right thing.

[SpotsMama]

Sorry to hear your little guy is sick but it's really good that you got him to the vet before the RI was too advaced. His chances will be better if he isn't too sick when you start treatment.

Petco really ought to cover the vet bill. You are right, he was ill when you got him. I wonder about any other turtles your little one was with. They will probably come down with it too. I hope that get good care. Let us know how it goes.

What about your other turtle? Is he showing any symptoms?

[Steve C]

I have the other turtle in a different tank and he is doing good, eats anything in sight, active and swims level. My girlfriend went to petsmart today and they want the copies of my vet bills. They said the paperwork has to go to corprate for reimbursment.

[SpotsMama]

That sounds encouraging! Good luck with both turtles.

And Petsmart sounds encouraging too. You may have to wait but maybe they'll do the right thing in the end.

[industrial_girl_2000]

Wow, good for you! Sounds encouraging all the way around!

[steve]

Great job getting them out of Petco and to the vet quickly! Keep us updated...