General Care Discussion :: Think I got a problem

[TheOneCalledRed]

My younger turtle has been inactive lately. He sleeps on the basking spot almost the entire day and only appears active when he needs to be fed. He seems really weak and sometimes opens his mouth slightly. Any suggestions about this?

[grey goose]

Is he eating? Open mouth breathing is a sign of RI.......

[Pizza]

From what you're telling me, sounds like the condition of your turtle has deteriorated drastically in a short amount of time, I would definetely take it to a vet.

[SpotsMama]

I agree. Vet time, and as soon as possible.

[TheOneCalledRed]

He's still very small and taking him to the vet is $ I don't have.

[Kallistos]

A vet visit shouldn't cost more than $40....that should only take a week or two to save up. I've said this already, just try to save a few dollars a day, like what you eat and walk when close enough. You really need to come up with the money, it's possible as long as you have the will to do it!

[industrial_girl_2000]

Uh oh. That's a sign of RI (open mouth on dock).

As someone who lost my first 2 turtles to RI over 17 yrs ago, I HIGHLY encourage you to take him to the vet. As RESowner pointed out, the visit only costs about $40 to have him looked at (maybe $100 at the most with meds) & you can inquire about pmt plans too just in case when you call to make the appt. RI is *extremely* curable when caught early & requires antibiotics to go away.

And once he is healthy, keep in mind that as long as you continue to give him the proper warm environment, he will never get RI again. Vet visits for healthy turtles are REALLY rare so you can spend the rest of his life just enjoying his wonderful company!

Keep us posted!