Urgent Care :: George and Weezy have pneumonia

[Spiritualjoy]

Yes he just started doing it since he has been sick so I dont know if it has to do with that or not. I thought maybe he was snapping at the feet of the leg he got the shot in, but he's snapping at both of them. He seems like he is aggravated if that makes sense - like they are getting in his way? He hasn't hurt himself yet - but he does bite them hard.

I am having a really hard time getting them to eat anywhere but in their tank, thats why I bought a small aquarium. I was hoping it would be similar to their home. They are sooooo distracted with the fact that they aren't in their tank that they have no interest whatsoever in eating. They will ONLY eat in their tank which makes a mess every day. Arggghhhh. (I even put the small aquarium across the top of their tank today to feed them thinking they would see the rock below them but they didnt fall for it).

[marisa]

For now, if they'll only eat in the tank, then that's where I'd feed them. But you will need to change the water more frequently, though.

When you do try the aquarium, I'd cover the sides to minimize them getting distracted from the food at hand (being in a new environment is distracting enough). And, I'd give them privacy while they're eating.

Don't really know about the foot biting. Perhaps it is from the shot. The skin isn't irritated or abraded at all?

[Spiritualjoy]

That is a perfect idea - I will try covering up the sides. I just got through feeding them - they woke up and were starving! George ate 5 mealworms and two canned shrimp! I think he would eat more if I gave it to him, but I don't know the rule on how much to feed them. Weezy ate about 3 pellets - you could have knocked me over with a stick. She seems like she is really hungry - but wouldnt accept any of the live food I offered her. Funny thing is they both act like the food tickles their eyes? If the worm rubs their face, then they dont want it. Their eyes arent completely healed yet, so maybe thats it. Weezy definitely doesnt like any food put in front of her. I just taught George to go halfway on the ramp to get his worms, and he eats them there. Maybe I can do that with the frozen food.... If I could get them to eat in a different tank, that would be a dream come true!

I keep checking their feet and they seem fine. I noticed that when they sleep on the bottom of the tank they tuck their front legs in and kind of "water surf" with their feet on the bottom. Is that normal? Sorry to ask so many questions - but what I thought I knew I am finding I didnt know at all!

[steve]

They will have their own preferences as to where and how to sleep, though I'm not sure what you mean by "water surf".

[Spiritualjoy]

Its kind of weird - they plant their bottom feet on the rock, tuck their front paws in and face the current of the filter and "surf" the current in the middle of the water. They dont lay on the bottom of the tank. If they can balance their entire bodies on one rock where NO feet are on the bottom, then that is what they do. Very odd....

I took them to the vet again today and they got another shot. George's appetite has picked up while Weezy remains indifferent. They are shedding heavily right now - Marisa, you were right! There is skin coming off everywhere. The vet said that was no cause for concern right now. He thinks Weezy will need another shot on Wednesday, but if George keeps improving like he has, then he is all done! George only wants to eat meal worms, so trying to introduce less protein has not been easy. He won't even try veggies!!

[Bascomb]

S-joy -- It like buying a boat. It is the add ons that kills you. Now, back to the pneumonia. The heater '' OFF'' was not a big deal. It has been my experience that the quick change of body temp. causes a bigger problem. Example; in tank warm; out of tank cool; in tank warm; out of tank cool, etc. b.

[Spiritualjoy]

Ahhh...that makes sense. Thanks for making me feel better! (Kinda). I have learned so much this past week about how to care for my RES - I can't believe it! I intend on doing all I can to keep them healthy from this point forward!

[Bascomb]

Sjoy- I will suggest that you stick to the guidlines of the temperature that is suggested. Ex; 78 for the water and 80 if they are recovering from an illness, basking 90 to 91. AND -- what ever it takes to keep the water clean and within the nitrits, nitrates and ammonia healthy zone. CLEAN, CLEAN AND CLEAN.

[Spiritualjoy]

Agreed! I am on the job. Thanks!!

[shellieInIreland]

Give them fluids, i was told i should have done that after my turtle died of pneumonia, i hope there ok

[Spiritualjoy]

I guess its time for an update! I did give them fluids, thank God someone on here told me to do that. They are doing GREAT! Right now I am just dealing with them shedding like the dickens because I had the water temp up so high to spark their immune system. I slowly lowered it a temp at a time and now it is resting at 79. Their appetite is up and they are eating pellets for the first time in history!! I cant believe they are doing so well. I spruced up their tank, gave it a good cleaning after they recuperated, and will keep on giving them veggies. They will come around to it. I knew they were better when they ate the algae eater I have had in the tank with them since they were babies. It used to ride around on their backs...but no more.......I couldn't even find a piece of it in the tank and I took everything out!! Wow!

On a side note- I have been giving them Turtle Vita Vega Mins and I think that is helping with their deficiencies they had going on. Now to get the shells in better form...thats a long project ahead, I see!

[shellieInIreland]

i saw in a pet shop like the stuff you put on snakes skin when they shed well this ones for reptiles and there was def a pic of a turtle on it ill find out the name....

[Spiritualjoy]

Sounds great!

[megcornell]

If you are thinking of "vita shell" it's not good for turtles. It prevents their shells from "breathing" and causes shell issues.

The best "fix" for a shell is a good diet, and proper basking lights. Over time most issues will even out after a few sheddings.

The skin shedding should calm down now that the temps are lowered.

I'm so glad they are eating and doing better

[Spiritualjoy]

Meg!! I have been using vita shell on their shells since I got them a year ago. Maybe thats part of the problem with their shell issues. I had NO idea! I will throw it in the garbage right now! (I wonder - why do they sell it FOR turtles shells when in actuality its not good for their shells? That doesnt make sense to me...)