Urgent Care :: New turtle probably has RI

[Love of Animals]

You an offer food anytime. You'll just have to work at getting him to eat it.

[Oliver2011]

will do

[Oliver2011]

OMG!!!! He ate!!!!! Not much but he ate!!!!

I had put him in a bowl with a bit of water and canned tuna. He didn't got for that but when I put him back in the terrarium, he seemed more alert... I thought what the hell I'll put one dried baby shrimp in there, right in front of him. He actually went for it!!! Seeing that I put more in to which he didn't have any interested in... baby steps will do! Now, I know he is not out of the woods yet, but this is a good sign.

[Love of Animals]

One little bite at a time. Hurray!

[Oliver2011]

He ate again this morning. He ate a bit of tuna and 2 dried baby shrimp. He is a lot more active this morning. I am amazing how quickly he seems to be turning around! He is not gasping for air as much, still has some difficulty but it seems to be getting better. What's also good to see is he is starting to submerge a bit more. He still kinda floats but not as much. Before he resembled a cork!

I'll weigh him tonight and post the result.

[Love of Animals]

Sounds like you caught him just in time. Also sounds like he's a little fighter.

[Oliver2011]

I got home and put him in a water bowl to offer food while I change the water in the terrarium (no filter in there... I don't want to take chances) and when he went in the water, his head jerked to the side a couple of times and air bubbles came out of his mouth... Should I be worried? He is still more active then he was the other day and he did eat afterwards.

I am assuming that he might do that every once in a while until he is rid of the infection but since it is the first time I see him do that I figure I'd ask.

I am soooo proud of my little trooper!!!

[Miss Tee]

...and be sure to try those jello shots mentioned in the first post in the "Feeding and Nutrition" section. Many people's turts go crazy for them.
Yes, don't beat yourself up...he might have already been sick when you got him...and you're doing a great, responsible job now...turtles are stronger than we think...he'll spring back!

[steve]

Great to know he's eating. Some RES will lose their appetite while on antibiotics.

[Oliver2011]

I woke up this morning and he was sleeping at the bottom of his tank!!! Not floating!!! And he ate avidly! He even ate a pellet! What's more, he seems to be getting his attitude back! He looked at me like "Where's my food woman!!". Still a bit of clicking when he is basking, but other than that, things are great.

Thanks for the help gang!

[Love of Animals]

Still fighting. Good for him (and you). We really don't worry about bubbles in the water. It's bubbles out of the water because that means mucus.

[steve]

Just a little note... do not overfeed him now for previously missed feedings. Just concentrate on a consistent diet.

[Oliver2011]

Latest update:

Oliver has now got his last antibiotics shot and has slowly been getting back to a healthy weight (now 13.5 grams!). The vet gave me the green light to putt him back in his regular tank on Friday! He is doing very well.

All I can say is the vet visit is worth every penny. I know it is expensive but I now have a healthy turtle and I couldn't be happier!

[steve]

Glad both turtle and turtle keeper are almost back to normal

[Love of Animals]

Great job by you and Oliver!