Urgent Care :: Gasping for air

[Arual]

I just noticed today that my turtle was always basking on his lily pad. He keeps opening his mouth acouple times every couple minutes as if he was gasping for air. I tried feeding him and he won't eat. Please anyone help.

[megcornell]

That open mouthed gaping is a sign of a respiratory infection.
Can you describe your set up? Water temps, basking lights, turtle size, and tank size, etc...

Is he still eating? If so, that's a good sign, because it keeps his strength up to fight the infection. Raise the water temp to 80-82 and get an appointment with a herp vet. RI can only be treated with antibiotics, so the sooner you go the better.

[Arual]

What if I can't afford the vet, I know that sounds terrible.
Water temperature-80
Basking light-None, been trying to get him one
Turtle size-About 5 inches
Tank size- 10 gallon

He was eating earlier, but now no.

[megcornell]

That tank size is too small, much too small.
10 gallons would be ok for a young hatchling. Your turtle needs about 50 gallons.

I suggest you find a way to get to a vets. Some will allow payment plans. Can you borrow the money from someone? Call around to check prices and availability. Usually the ballpark figure is around $100 for the visit and antibiotics, but each vet is different.

Without a proper set up and proper treatment for his illness your turtle faces a very uphill battle.

[SpotsMama]

If you borrow the money perhaps you can pay it back by doing chores. Also, see if the vet will let you pay off the bill over time.

[industrial_girl_2000]

Unfortunately a vet is the only person who can solve RI. Turtles with RI require antibiotics.

I would call a vet & explain your situation. Many will work out payment plans with you! In the meantime, turn up the water temp in your water heater to about 82 to help boost the immune system.

[marisa]

You already know the tank is too small...

While you're trying to find a herp vet, you need to make him warmer. I'm going to assume he has a basking area. To warm the basking area, rather than waiting to get a basking light, use a regular incandescent lightbulb and clamp it over the basking area for now. Your turtle also needs a UVB light (flourescent, won't give off light, so you still need a lightbulb for heat). For your turtle, the basking area temp should be 90-91F, and the water temp should be around 82F. Check the temps with a thermometer.

[rachel16]

do the antibiotics usually work?

[marisa]

Anitbiotics from a herp vet? Yes, they usually do, provided you get your turtle seen ASAP. The sooner you have your turtle treated, the better the chance of recovery.

I have to ask---your turtle was fine before? How long has he been gasping for air?

[rachel16]

well mine was but two days ago she wouldnt eat anythhing and now she dosnt stop basking.... She hasnt started to gasp yet but she gets tired easy so she goes up for air slowly and has to breath hard.