General Care Discussion :: Trouble Surfacing?

[Daniel3507]

Sometimes when Cujo swims he seems to have trouble surfacing. cujo can still surface but sometimes he is next to the tank wall and it looks like he tries to start swimming really fast to try and surface but cant always do it. most of the time though he can surface with no problem. should i be worried? i found a herp vet that does check ups for $43.50. does that include a test for RI though?

[marisa]

How deep is the water level? How long have you had him? Is this behavior a change from what your turtle usually does? Why do you think he has an RI---does he have other symptoms such as wheezing, bubble from the nose or mouth when out of the water, open-mouth breathing, tilting to the size when he's in the water, for example? Does he eat well, is he active, does he bask?

There is no one test for RI that I know of---a herp vet would go by the symptoms the turtle is exhibiting more than anything (I think tests for what type of bacteria the turtle is infected with are quite a bit extra). With a check-up, your turtle would be examined to see how his overall health is. If the behavior is new and troubles you, $43.50 sounds reasonable to have him evaluated.

[Daniel3507]

The water is filled up about half way in a 55 gal tank. i have only had him a week so im not exacty sure what normal is for him. he still eats and basks normally but ive noticed him opening his mouth alot underwater.

[marisa]

Opening the mouth under water is something that turtles often do, and it doesn't necessarily mean there's a problem. Mine do it, either to drink, let out air (bubbles) or smell.

Do you have any fake plants for him to rest on when he reaches the surface?

What are the water and basking area temps? Does he have a good habitat?

Since you just got him, I'd keep an eye out for other symptoms that were mentioned. You'll also have a better idea of what his behavior is like. If you see other symptoms, then take him to the herp vet.

[Daniel3507]

i dont have anything for him to rest on at the surface but sometimes he sits on the top of the heater or sits on the ramp for the basking dock with his nose above the water. the water is at 78 and the basking is around 90. he has a pretty good habitat i think. plenty of water to swim in, places to hide, and a good basking spot.

[Daniel3507]

i forgot to mention ive noticed him just floating at the surface with his nose above the water sometimes. he isnt swimming lopsided or anything though.

[SpotsMama]

Floating at the surface with just his nose above water is normal. If he were in a lake or pond he'd be practically invisible doing this.

Why don't you look into getting some fake plants? They make a tank look nice and if you get some that will reach to the surface of the water your turtle can rest in them and hide in them and they like that.

[Daniel3507]

thank you both for your help. i will probably go get some fake plants sometime this weekend.