General Care Discussion :: How often do you need to take your turtle to the vet?

[missapril]

I just want to know how often does your turtle need to visit a vet. I had my turtle for a year now and haven't taken him to the vet

[Daniel3507]

i have never taken cujo to the vet. i would only take them if they are showing signs of being sick. i would think that the stress of going to the vet for regular check ups would be hard on them

[untsmurf]

I have also never taken mine to the vet and I've had him for over three years. If he were injured or sick, I know of a vet in my area (thanks to a member on this site) and would take him there without question.

You can take a fecal sample in to be tested for bacteria and stuff, but you should only need to bring your turtle in if he/she's having problems.

[SpotsMama]

I'd take a fecal sample in for a check for sure, and I think it helps to find a good herp vet before you have to have one in an emergency. One of the things I've seen is that not all vets are equal when it comes to knowing how to treat a turtle. My turtle had a shell problem and the first two vets I took him to didn't have a clue as to what to do - or even know that what they saw wasn't right - and one of then was supposed to be a herp vet. The third vet was completely different - she knew turtles and prescribed the appropriate treatment for him. If Spot ever has an emergency, I know where to take him.


If I were you and didn't want to take my turtle in for a "checkup" when he's not sick, I'd at least try to find out by word of mouth who's a good, knowledgable turtle vet in the area so you'll know where to go in an emergency.

[jenaero]

I've taken each animal to the vet for a check up soon after I got them. I wanted to make sure he had some kind of history on each of them in case anything were to happen later on...which it did.. I was glad I was prepared.

[mikee]

miss-pril -- I could not afford to take all mine to the vet. In my early days of keeping turtles, I took one in too late and lost him. I watch them more closely and learned from my experience. m.

[missapril]

Thank you all very much!