General Care Discussion :: I don't know what to do!

[PcBuilder14]

My sick turtle Flash hasn't eaten in 2 weeks, and I just can't think of anything else to do except take him to a vet which isn't an option. Is there like something I can do with it? Because It's killing me just pretty much just waiting for it to die! Is there somewhere I can take it or do with it? Should I take it to the pet store I got it from and just give it back or what!? I feel sorry for it but it's a proven fact that small turtles under 3-4 inches only have a 50% chance of living. Or at least that's what I've heard from somewhere. Plus no offense but they're overpopulated anyways. HELP

[Daniel3507]

why cant you take it to the vet? have you put the food in tuna water?

[PcBuilder14]

Because we don't have any herp vets within about 100 mile from us. And no I haven't done that, but I've tried pretty much everything else. If I could actually get its' mouth open, I might be able to save it.

[PcBuilder14]

Also my parents wouldn't see the point in taking a $10 pet to a vet and it cost more than the pet. By the way this is my 3rd turtle. I've had one die within less than a week of buying it so I got my money back and bought another one which is Flash. If and when this one dies I'm just going to have my one turtle, Slash.

[Chrisbarnett]

I'm sorry, but if you can't afford or care to take your turtle to the vet when it is sick, because it only cost $10, You should not have turtles at all.
Just my opinion.

[SpotsMama]

What city do you live in? Someone on here may know of a herp vet closer than 100 miles.

I understand about the expense, but can you work out something with your parents where you earn the money to pay them back for a vet visit? Some vets will let you pay off the bill over time, too. You might inquire about that.

Until you can get him in to see a vet, keep him warm (80 to 82 degrees), very clean and avoid stressing him (ie, don't pick him up unless you have to). You can feed him things you'd normally only offer as treats, just to get some calories in him, like tuna (packed in water), boiled chicken or shrimp. If he continues refusing food, you can soak him twice a day in a 50%/50% solution of Pedialyte (a solution for sick children you can get at places like Walgreen's) and water.

The ill turtle should be separated from the well turtle in case he has something contageous.

[SpotsMama]

See original comments on this topic here:

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewt ... 181792e25f

[mat012]

I gave mine crickets to start him eating. Also dont handle him too much as the stress might make him less likely to eat. Last thing - go to a regular vet if you have to. Better than nothing. He or she may be able to call a herp specialist for consultation.

[PcBuilder14]

I live in the very Northeast corner of Texas. I've tried crickets, but he wouldn't touch them.

[mzkitty23]

I'm not sure what cities you're near in Northeast Texas, but here's a few listings I found in Texas, if you look through you may see a city that's somewhat near you. I'm sure there are more than what is on these listings, but maybe it will help.

http://www.herpvetconnection.com/texas.shtml

I, also live far from a herp vet, but, like mat said, I do consult my regular vet for things when I need to. She is not a specialist in this, but she is willing to look up things and she can perscribe me what I need.

[megcornell]

What symptoms does the turtle have besides it's lack of appetite?

Have you separated it from the other turtle?

[PcBuilder14]

Yes I've seperated them, and he rarely opens his eyes, all it does is bask, and he rubs his eyes before he opens them every single time. I have it in a shallow container with just enough water to swim in and it has rocks to bask on and get otu of the water.

[PcBuilder14]

And all the vets in Texas are over 100 miles away. I checked Louisiana and Arkansas, because I live right beside the 2 states, and there aren't any near me there either.

[megcornell]

Have you tried getting him eye drops or applying cod liver oil?

Are you feeding your turtles vegetables along with the pellets?

If not, it may be something as simple as a vitamin deficiency.

[zoologist]

blue berries, cooked sweet potato and apple skins all have vitamin a. (thanks Spotsmama!)

by the way, i highly doubt that there is no vet in your area. i live in a tiny town and we at least have ONE qualified vet. i just think you don't want to spend the money....