Urgent Care :: Bubbles?!

[sigywigy]

First let me say I'm going to call the vet in the morning, but...

JackJack has bubbles when he comes up for air. It's kind of like he's sneezing? He was perfectly fine this morning - can a RI set in this quick? Is there anything I can do until I can get him to the vet? I changed out some of the water and turned the heater up (was at 76*). Is there anything I can add to the water?

TIA!

[steve]

sounds like you're doing everything right... i do not have any first hand with RI (that i know of)... good luck!

[sigywigy]

I have an appointment for 5:15, I'll let ya'll know what the vet says

[lydia_lady_fla]

thnx will be waiting to hear from ya.

[STRAYKINGFISHER]

I hope everything turns out ok.

[marisa]

What did the vet say?

[sigywigy]

I just got back from the vet. Since I had to tell the vet just about everything - (he didn't even know what kind of turt he was) he didn't charge me an office visit and only $5 for the shot Vet said the shot should work for 48hrs and to call him if there isn't a change.

I'll keep ya'll posted!

[marisa]

Do you know what kind of shot he got?

[sigywigy]

Do you know what kind of shot he got?

Honestly, I don't know. The vet checked in his reptile books to be sure he was giving the correct antibiotic, dosage, etc. He had never seen a turtle as small as mine. There are lots of RES in our local rivers and lakes, but apparently not many show up for treatment

[STRAYKINGFISHER]

Probably because most people believe that it is illegal to own a small turtle when in reality it is illegal to "sell" a baby turtle. It is no wonder that alot of baby turtles end up dead rather than being taken to the vet.

[marisa]

It's also because small turtles are difficult to save and many owners unfortunately don't want to spend the money on a "pet" they got for free.

The fact that a turtle from the wild could also pose problems, although some herp vets won't charge for a wild turtle. Last summer I unfortunately had to bring a severely injured turtle to an emergency clinic. I explained that the turtle was wild; there was no charge for their services, but if even if the turtle could have been saved (she had to be euthanized), she would have been given to a rehabber and not back to me.

[GouzlanTheAmerican]

I dont think that is true. I got my cat for free, and we ended up spending over $1000 because some stupid [---] kid shot him with a BB gun in the mouth. Even though my cat is retarted we still love him.

[sigywigy]

My husband had a fit and my dad said it was stupid to bother taking JJ to the vet and to just FLUSH him. Unfortunately, that's probably the attitude a lot of people have. I told them it was worth the $5 since I'd definitely take a "furry" pet and this turtle has the potential to live much longer than any dog or cat! So far he seems to be doing great today! He's eating and "playing" like normal.

[GouzlanTheAmerican]

I am glad you are not like the countless others that dont want to take there pets to the vet because they didnt cost anything. My mom wants me to be a vet since i love animals so much. I am thinking about it. i'm only 14 so i have alot of time to think about it.

HAVE A NICE DAY!

[marisa]

For whatever reason people often don't consider turtles to be in the same league as cats or dogs when it comes to getting them medical care.