General Care Discussion :: Whats Wrong With Me?!

[TurtleGirl1985]

I Just adopted these turtles for someone and noticed that one of them as soon as you put him/her in the water he/she floats kinda sideways with all fours out , just like when you were a kid and pretended to be dead in the pool and then about a 2 min later starts swimming and always has mouth open and close . And after a few min of swimming floats again all retarted.

[MoreBloodWine]

I really wish I could help but outside of the following words but I cant...

If I recall right, and please, don't hold me to this... I think I read it means the turtle has an RI or something.

[TurtleGirl1985]

RI? What is that?

[MoreBloodWine]

RI? What is that?

Respiratory (sp?) Infecton.

Again, don't hold me to it but I think if I recall right thats what lopsided swimming etc can mean.

[TurtleGirl1985]

ok what do i do for that.?

[ElectricTurtle]

Here's the sites info on RI http://www.redearslider.com/respiratory_behavior.html.

This is quoted from it... "If your RES exhibits any of these symptoms, then raising temperatures, quarantine and a water change would be the immediate actions to take. Ambient air temperature and water temperature should be raised 10 degrees F. Eliminate any drafts and cold air around the tank. Pneumonia may develop which in many cases is fatal. If your RES continues to exhibit a symptom or develops more, then consult with a qualified vet immediately."

[steve]

Listing (floating/swimming sideways) is a symptom of RI. Does this turtle have resting spots in the tank? Is it eating? What are the water temps?

[TurtleGirl1985]

temp is 80 and has a resting area kinda eating

[Love of Animals]

Chances are if your res is listing it already has pneumonia. Which is why it's listing (fluid in the lungs). Please follow the directions given above in the mean time and take it to a vet where antibiotics can be given. Is the turtle listing from side to side or is the hind end having trouble submerging?

[TurtleGirl1985]

no hes side to side but last nite he was swimming ok basking and kinda eating and put him in the water and he sunk to the bottom

[Love of Animals]

Side to side listing means fluid in his lungs. Up the temps like suggested. The increased temps will help his immune system and keep him comfortable until you can get him to the vet for antibiotics. Good luck!

[TurtleGirl1985]

thanks