Urgent Care :: Turtle Escaped!!

[Brianthedog18]

Yesterday I brought home and put in an in-the-tank filter that hangs off the side of the tank. Stupidly, I put it even with my basking ramp that is against the wall. I came home today and he was gone!! He must've climbed off the ramp, onto the filter, and over the side. How could I be so stupid?!

I found him under the table covered in fuzz, so i rinsed him off and looked him over, as far as I can tell he seems to be ok. The only thing I notice is that his claws seem to be a little bent. I'm worried! What should I do?

[missibsu]

Keep a close eye on him. Watch for any signs of possible internal injuries, blood in the stool, etc. Watch for signs of lathargy, or any ill effects from drafts that he could have been exposed to. Check over the shell and look for any signs of damage. And, by all means, move the filter!

[Brianthedog18]

Yeah, I immediately checked the shell, no damage that wasn't there when I got him. I moved the filter right away. But for the most part he seems to be behaving normally. He swims around and begs just like usual. I'll keep an eye on him though. Thanks

[steve]

How far was the fall? Is the floor carpeted?

Check for sensitive spots... its possible to have a broken bone or some internal injury.

[Brianthedog18]

well, the fall is about 4 feet, but it's broken up, 2 feet down he'd have hit the table, which is where i had a cup of lettuce that I found on the ground. So he must've fallen on that, which i believe broke his fall, after the table its' another two feet to the ground, and like I said, I looked over his whole body and don't see any damage.

We'll see though...so far, still acting normal