General Care Discussion :: squeaking

[brady2180]

my res was squeaking for nearly a week now. it really puzzled me as to what might be wrong with him. i kept thinking he was developing a RI, but his appetite, swimming, basking, and general behavior was normal. either way, i took him to the vet yesterday. The doc could not find anything wrong with him, especially after the X-rays, which she took to make sure that nothing was blocking his breathing. his lungs looked very healthy and equally balanced. the doc also asked me if i wanted to get bloodwork done, but i declined for now. any thoughts on this?

[TheComputerGremlin]

Are you positive it's your RES and not your RES claws? I discovered an odd squeaking sound recently and it was driving me nuts. Then I realized it was my booger scratching her claws on the tank walls whenever she wanted my attention.

I can't honestly think of anything else if an RI was ruled out ...

[Dein211]

weird. hm.. if you have the ability to set up a webcam or something maybe you might be able to find an alternate possibility?

[brady2180]

i have paid pretty close attention to his behavior. for sure he squeaks when i approach him. and it also happens when he is away from the tank walls. it's just strange. i really hope that he is in good health. one strange thing i heard was that he is possibly looking for some companionship. has anyone ever heard of this?

[queenjane]

I don't think turtles make sounds at all unless they have a respiratory problem... or unless he's rubbing his claws/feet on the tank.

You'd better make certain it's not RI.

[SpotsMama]

When a turtle is startled or scared, he'll often hiss like a cat or snake. Usually the turtle's mouth is wide open when he/she does it. Could this be what you're hearing?

[brady2180]

no. this is a squeaking sound. no claws on glass. this is certain. as i said before, his appettite is very good, and his swimming and general behavior is as normal as can be. what is THE MOST ABSOLUTE way to find out if he has a RI?

[SpotsMama]

Other than symptoms, I don't know of a way to identify RI. Perhaps someone else on the forum knows.

RI is actually a term for a whole array of illnesses - from a common cold to pneumonia. The different types and severities of illnesses will, of course, have somewhat different symptoms. The risk with a mild one is that it often progresses to a more serious one.

It is also true that a turtle with a RI won't usually show all the symptoms at once, especially in the early stages.

The squeaking sound by a turtle with RI is usually a wheezing caused by the turtle struggling to breath through a narrowed air passage.

It's a very good sign that it sounds like the vet made a serious effort to find out what was wrong but couldn't find other signs of RI. It's also really good that he/she has lots of energy and is still eating. If I were you, I'd just watch and wait - keep the turtle warmer than usual (maybe 80 degree water temp) to boost his/her immune system, keep him/her very clean, make sure he gets a good quality diet, and avoid stress (ie, don't pick him/her up unless you have to). Hopefully, if there's a mild RI present then he'll be able to overcome it.

[brady2180]

well, thank you all for your advise. i' just keep a very good eye on Brady and keep providing him with the best care in the world.

[fiona's_mama]

i have paid pretty close attention to his behavior. for sure he squeaks when i approach him. and it also happens when he is away from the tank walls. it's just strange. i really hope that he is in good health. one strange thing i heard was that he is possibly looking for some companionship. has anyone ever heard of this?

I just got done posting this same reply on a different topic. My RES, Fiona, makes a meowing noise (sounds like a baby kitten) and I talked to a turtle guy at PetCo and he said that it's rare to hear it but that RES do make noises and that it may be a sign of seeking companionship. Only thing is that Fiona only does this once a year and it's been around the same time of the year since I've had her (2 yrs). She only does it a few times within a few minute period. Your turtle just might be seeking attention and that's its way of communicating with you. If the vet can't find anything wrong and if your turtle is acting healthy in every way possible, I'd just consider yourself lucky that you're turtle responds to you in a manner that a lot of owners don't get to experience.

[TurtleLover_S&B]

Is Brady's mouth open when he makes this noise?

[brady2180]

no, his mouth is closed.