Urgent Care :: hi again.

[Android]

Hi there.

I posted here a while back, I guess I had to set up a new account, but I have been reading the forums.

My turtle Loki that came to me as a tiny tiny turtle from a store that should not have been selling is now in great condition, veryyyyy happy in a wonderful exo terra tank with a great setup...everything he needs. He has grown and doing great.

My friends turtle however (the one that bought these turtles and handed me Loki) is in terrible shape because he ignorantly came back with them and has been keeping it in a glass bowl, cold water on a rock. Its not even a fish tank!!!. Ive told him time and time again what the turtle needs. Its freezing. He doesnt even clean it out daily.

This turtle has not grown. He came to me the other day (we live in the same app complex) showing me the state of its shell (soft shell from no UVB light... has been kept in the dark for months) upset saying he is going to find a dead turtle in his bowl.

Since I have some spare bulbs, and an old water heater that I used when Lokis water level was alot lower (25 watt.. had to buy a 50 wat) I have brought him up here to try and get him well, but really I would like some advice, it seems he has metabolic bone disease and may be a helpless case.

He is now in a tub, size of a show box. Water heater on. Got the clamp lamp over it UVB 4.0 coil light. Got the UV light on a little basking spot I created.

He has not eated in weeks apparently... apart from the day before yesterday when he was up here I saw him eat a freeze dried worm.

He is barely moving, either sits there, or floats. Not eaten again in 2 days. Each night I put a little something there. Piece of lettece o...trying different things.

How long should I give this a shot...should I return him to my friend ? I feel sorry for the little guy but Im not sure there is much I can do, and seeing this little turtle like this, he should be the same size as Loki by now and just as happy.

I threw some Romanian lettuce in Lokis tank tonight and he attacked it like crazy so excited.. but when I went to this other poor guy he is just laid there, it makes me so sad.

[steve]

The usual habitat requirements apply... 78-80F water temps, 90F basking temps, UVA and UVB. If he's not eating, try some of the things that are enticing... live prey, boiled white chicken meat, boiled egg whites, gammarus, etc.

If your friend is not committed to the turtle's care, then he shouldn't have one. If the turtle does have MBD, then he should go see a vet ASAP. Guessing what he might have from his symptoms might lead you to an incorrect treatment.

As for how long you should try... if your friend has no intention or motivation for it's future care, I would't return him and have him surrendered to an appropriate rescue instead.

[Android]

Thanks. I appreciate the advice.

There is a reptile vet not too far away.

I will suggest it, though I highly doubt he will take my advice. I will suggest he also surrenders the turtle if he wont I will do it myself

I would love to take it myself, but knowing how big RES get, and how much effort I take putting into 1, thats my focus. I know myself how expensive vet bills can get.

[apondfortimmy]

Did you give him back yet or turn him in to a rescue place?

Poor turtle. :\