All Turtles Message Board

kandh22 · Level 1 Joined: 25 Aug 2007 Posts: 5

Hi, I'm new to this forum
I bought two turtle as pets for my daughter, "slider turtles"
Yesterday I noticed that one of them was behaving strangely.
It's eyes are always closed, it does not move, when I pick it up it would take a BIG gasp as if needed to breath.
I also noticed that there was little bleeding from the mouth,
Please help me, I don't know what to do Sad

deesygirl · Moderator Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 1232

The turtle has a respitory infection and needs to be seen by a vet asap. You will be given antibiotics and shown how to administer them.

RI is caused by the turtle being to cold and having a poor diet. This could have happened before you purchased them. Make sure the water temps are in the mid 70's to 80 and the basking area is warmer. A good pellet diet supplimented with veggies is important. Many times a lack of vit A can lead to this also. I give mine carrot shreads in the winter and dandilion leaves all summer (make sure they are not treated with herbisides or pesticides first).
_________________

http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

kandh22 · Level 1 Joined: 25 Aug 2007 Posts: 5

Thank you deesygirl for your reply....
The problem is where I live I don't know of any vets whom know for turtles here Sad

I'll try my best to look for one, but is there anything I could do to comfert it? I have put a heating lamp close to keep it warm.

deesygirl · Moderator Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 1232

Could you tell us a little about your setup and diet? It will help.

When a turtle has RI, increasing the temps, mid 80's for the water and low 90's for the basking area can help give the natural immune system a boost.
_________________

http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

kandh22 · Level 1 Joined: 25 Aug 2007 Posts: 5

well.. Unfortunatley I have them in that tank you all did not recommend, but i have a lamp to keep tyhem warm.
all the animal shops i found here only have this types of tanks for turtles.
well.. i have some good news today, the turtle is moving alittle, opened it's eyes atleast, it takes big yawns too.
still looking for a vet Sad

deesygirl · Moderator Joined: 12 Sep 2002 Posts: 1232

Do you have a heater in there for them? I am assuming you have a death bowl. You don't have access to any fish stores? All we use is a regular fish tank. Here is an easy solution. Buy a rubbermaid container and use it. They are a good option while your turtles are growing. Your turtles need a basking area and lamp, a UVB/UVA light, a heater, and a good filter.
_________________

http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

kandh22 · Level 1 Joined: 25 Aug 2007 Posts: 5

Thank you deesygirl for your advice, unfortunately the sick turtle didn't make it Sad

It died today afternoon.
I have only one left.
Regarding the fish shops, all of which I went to asking for advice, told me that the turtles were fine the way they were !! I mentioned needing a heater for them and was told that I didn't need one !
I think I will return the other one, I don't want to be the reason for one more turtle's death Sad