Urgent Care :: New turtle probably has RI

[Oliver2011]

Hi guys,

I am new to this site and in desperate need of guidance. I apologize in advance for the length of this message but I figure the more info the better. Let me begin by saying that I have read the other posts and made changes accordingly. I have made an appointment with a Vet tomorrow and took the day off to bring him. Basically, I have the "Internet research syndrome", I googled every symptom and read every similar cases and the result being that I am incredibly worried and scared for my little Oliver (assumed he will be male... if not, I guess Olivia!). I did enough research to understand that he is in need of an emergency visit to the vet, I was hoping to bring him today but no one qualified was available.

I bought my turtle at a fish and reptile store. He looked healthy and active. I had the tank set up with 12 Gal of water (treated), UVB light, basking light and basking area made of Malaysian Driftwood. Now the guy at the store (I know I should never listen to them!) told me the wood would not rot and would be safe for the turtle. Anywho, brought the turtle home with two corydoras (bottom feeder fish) and two zebra danios (regular hardy fish). Everyone got along fine, Oliver was eating pellets and shrimp. He liked chasing/swimming after the fish.

And then the driftwood began to rot, (about a week or so ago). As soon as I noticed, I removed it and changed the set to the one described below. By then, Oliver already stopped eating and swimming leisurely. I am thinking that the wood might be the cause. I figured I cleaned the entire tank so he would get better... Yesterday, is when I saw him sneezed the first time and really started to get worried. I read a bunch of posts on this site and made the basking light changes stated below... And here we are. I am now gently wiping away the mucus from the occasional sneeze, to which he squeaks (He is nervous... I don't blame him). But other then that I don't what else to do to ensure best possible of survival until tomorrow's vet visit... Any suggestions or even reassurances would be appreciated....

Thanks,
Myrka

See below for more information.

_______
How big is your turtle? 1 1/2 inches (shell measurements)
How long have you had it? 4 weeks

What is the water temperature? 78-80 deg F Constant
Did you use a thermometer? yes
Are you using a water heater? no - do not need to yet (very warm apartment)
How much water is in there? 12 Gal (in a 29Gal tank)
Are you using a water conditioner? Yes. ReptiSafe by ZooMed
Are you using any filtration? yes. submersible Fluval 3 plus

What is the basking temperature? around 90 degrees now and will maintain it there unless recommended otherwise
Is there a basking light? Yes, but originally got told to turn it on only for a few hours in the morning and afternoon. (I am very well aware that this might be the or one of the causes). It is now on all day.
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? Yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? made using Lace stone.
Is there a UVB light? Yes. full spectrum and UVB combo.

What have you been trying to feed it? Yes, but will not accept food. I will wait for vet instructions be forcing him
When was the last time your turtle ate? 5-6 days ago

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 29 gal tank
Is the tank near a window? no
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? Yes living room

Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? Yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? Floats to the top when swimming, Sneezing (only saw him once or twice).

[Love of Animals]

Seems like you are doing everything you possibly can while waiting for your vet visit. Water temps should be at 80 and basking temps 90 which you have. He was probably sick before you got him. Turtles will hide their illness because it makes them vulnerable. Usually when you see the illness it's advanced. I hope the vet will help you but sometimes it's very hard with such a young turtle. Good Luck and please let us know the outcome. My thoughts are with you.

[Oliver2011]

Thank you very much for that. Just to know that I've done good so far is helping me cope. It's excruciating to see him like that... I'll keep you posted on the outcome of his visit.

Any thoughts on who to transport him? since I do not have a car I will be using public transport (like he isn't stressed enough!). I got a plastic reptile container. I was thinking of putting a blanket at the bottom and a sort of flat container with a bit of treated water in it, in case he wants it... Maybe I'll end up paying for a taxi ride, at this point really, what is cab fare compared to vet bills and avoiding putting my turtle through more stress...

[steve]

I agree with Love of Animals. This is a very tough situation and don't beat yourself up over it. Have you tried feeding live food or items from the entice eating page?

[Oliver2011]

I have not but I will definitely give it a try. Thanks!

[steve]

Sure thing! Also, how well do you know your vet? I know of a couple of rescues up north, maybe they can refer you to someone.

[Oliver2011]

This is the first time I will see this Vet. He came with a referral from Little Ray's Reptile Zoo. It has a Red-eared Slider rescue center and this is the Vet they deal with for all cases. Here's hoping...

[Oliver2011]

Ok, so I tried the pellets soaked in tuna water. he lifted his head and looked at it but did not try to take a bite. however, it did create kind of a frenzy with the fish so I'll try a bit later by putting him in a bowl of water and the food just so he is alone while debating eating or not...

In the unlikely (but happy) scenario that he eats before I take him to the vet. Would that be bad? It might sound like a silly question but I figure it worth asking...

[Love of Animals]

If he's going today don't worry about eating. For transport put him in a box with a towel and transport him dry. I'm glad the vet sounds experienced. Hope all is well.

[Oliver2011]

We know have a thunderstorm... Definitely taking a taxi!!!

[Love of Animals]

Good Idea!

[Oliver2011]

making my way to the vet now. I'll let you guys know how it goes. I cannot express enough how you have help me cope with this. On the plus side, he hasn't sneezed at all since yesterday.

[Oliver2011]

Alright, here's an update:

The vet confirmed Oliver has RI. However, he said that he is very optimistic about he's recovery, especially since he's shown sign of recovery after I increase his basking light time (and therefore his temperature).

He is now on antibiotics, and has to go back for three more at three day intervals. The vet suggested I remove him from his fishy companions during his recovery, so he will be moving to what I have deemed "The cottage". It is terrarium I had on hand. It can hold some water, maybe one length of his shell deep and I will set up a similar basking area to what he has at the moment.

My task for the next few days will be to make him eat. He is 12 grams at the moment but still has good muscle tone according to the vet. I will try the different suggestions this site has.

Keep you posted

[Love of Animals]

So glad that the vet is optimistic. Just make sure to keep those temps up. A lot of turtles don't feel like eating while on antibiotics. I think it upsets their belly, so you have your work cut out for you. Try earthworms, you can cut them in half if too large. You can also dip them in tuna water. I know ewe. Sardines, just in water not seasoning or brine. Cooked shrimp not in seasoning. Usually this stuff would just be considered a rare treat. But anything to get him eating. Keep us posted on his progress.

[Oliver2011]

Since he just got a shot, should I wait a bit before offering him food?