General Care Discussion :: Annual vet checkup?

[doglovin]

Hi guys. Always appreciate your help. I got my turtles 3 years ago and learned the hard way how to properly care for them. Last year we had puffy eye issues, pink underbellies which were signs of illness, needed antibiotics and Vitamin D shots, you name it. One year later, with the proper home they're doing great. My question is, I just got a reminder card for my annual visit to the vet (luckily, we have several very good exotic/reptile vets around me). I have 4 dogs and I've always had an annual vet checkup for them, but turtles? Do you guys get regular checkups or just if something's wrong? I want to be a responsible owner, but also don't want to unnecessarily traumatize these poor guys (I have two male RES's). Opinions anyone? Thanks again! Val

[megcornell]

Personally I don't take my turtles to the vet for check ups. They don't get boosters or any maintenance like a furry pet, and the stress of the trip really negates any positive in my opinion.
The only reason I would go would be to establish a relationship with a herp vet, and to scope out whether they were good or not in case I ever did have an emergency. However, it seems like you know where you'd go, so I don't think a check up is really needed.

You can also call the vet and see what a turtle "check up" would entail and see if you think it's worth it.

[doglovin]

Thanks very much - I had the same feeling and appreciate your input. Yes, seems they get stressed so much more easily, and it affects them more intensely than our furry critters. Plus, the vets of course want our money

[Bumby's Mom]

You "should" get a blood test and a fecal done yearly, but if your turtles appear to be fine then I wouldn't worry about it.

[SpotsMama]

I'd get the fecal done anyway. turtles can pick up internal parasites from various sources - feeder fish and plants, for example. It would be nice to know early on if that's going on before it took a toll on your turtle's health. It's a cheap, easy test for a vet to do.

My turtle has been spending the summer outside in a pond. He lives in an aquarium indoors in the winter. I'm planning to take a fecal sample to the vet when it comes time for him to come in to make sure he hasn't picked up any passengers while living in the "wild".

[doglovin]

Hi all, and thanks again. How on earth do you get the fecal sample? I have two, and never see them poop because I have a strong filter that keeps things pretty clean. Should I put them in a separate container with warm water perhaps? Any suggestions are welcome.

[megcornell]

You can feed them in a separate container and let them stay there until they poop afterwards. Just be ready to pull them out before they eat it, some turtles are pretty quick on things like that.