Urgent Care :: R.I.

[Sheena]

Hi guys,
I need help. I have 3 hatchling res. I've had them since the beginning of July. Well, today I noticed my shyer one was basking almost all day and then when I watched him swimming his back end would float up to the surface even though he was trying to swim down. I also heard him sneeze today, which I have never heard before. I only heard it once but I wasn't in my room all day so I don't know if it was possibly more. While out basking I also saw a bubble from his nose and when I pick him up he kept opening his mouth and trying to swallow.
I didn't know what to do so I took him out because I read that RI (which from all the reading I believe is what he has) can be contagious to the other turtles, who at this point seem fine. Unfortunately I don't have another tank to put him in for quaratine and I can't afford one either so I got a little plastic dish. I put a rock in there and just barely covered the bottom with some water. I have the dish sitting on a heating pad with towels inbetween and a light shining down into the dish. I also covered the other part of the dish to make sure as little drafts of air reach him. The temperature is staying around 88-92 in the container, it's hard to get an accurate reading.
Am I doing the right thing? How do I know if he is better? Should I put him back in the tank with the other turtles? Please help?!?
Thank You!!!

[Sheena]

Oh yeah, and also I forgot to mention. My boyfriend and I took the tank completely apart tonight and cleaned everything really well with hot water to try and prevent the other turtles form getting sick.

[powerofvoodoo]

If he has RI he has to go to the vet to receive treatment, he is not going to get well on his own.
RI or not, he needs to go to the vet to confirm what he has, and get treatment. He may not make it without it.
And if you absolutely can't get another tank for him, make sure that the heating pad doesn't get too hot and overheat him.

[Sheena]

Okay thank you I'll do the best I can

[Sheena]

I've been reading other post and I was wondering is it possible that my turtle just has gas? He's been eating fine and his swimming isn't off side to side just front to back? Is it possible that he is okay?

[powerofvoodoo]

Bubbling, sneezing, and opening his mouth while basking is a sign of RI, not gas. If I were you, I would still go to the vet.

[SpotsMama]

I agree with powerofvoodoo. It's quite possible the poor guy has both gas and RI. He needs to see a vet to know for sure. If he's eating that's a very good sign - it means he still has energy and has a better chance of surviving RI.

Good luck. Keep us posted.