Urgent Care :: Help I need to find a local vet

[callmemissmo]

I came to this board looking for answers on why my turtle was acting like he/she was.

I got 2 baby res about 2 months ago. One was a little bigger, Gizmo; and the smaller one, Squirt was smaller and had a small scar*i think that is what it is* on his shell

Gizmo has grown about half the size he was, Squirt has still been the same. One day I noticed Squirt swimming lopsidded so that is when I came here to look for information.

I believe he has pneumonia, butl I can not say that officially because I am not a vet. I have seperated him from his brother and lately it seems he is getting worse. I have been busy with trying to find a job, and working my current job. I am also broke but I don't want my turtle to die.

I figured I would atleast call around to some vets in the local are BTW I live in the LA area Hawthorne to be exact. I work in Manhattan Beach.

If anyone can help me find some local vets so I can call and see how much it would be to come in for a check up and possible shot.

He is now breathing through his mouth and sometimes it looks like he is gasping for air and I feel horrible

Gizmo is having a hard time not having Squirt in the tank with him. All he does is swim near the side the other tank is.

Please someone help me.

thank you!
Mandy

[cam722]

check this sticky that is under Urgent Care. It has a number of sites which will direct you to herp vets across the US. Just look for your state and go down the list.

http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=370

[marisa]

There is one link there specifically for California (but try them all). I think your suspicions are correct. He needs a herp vet ASAP. Good luck. Let us know what happens.

[callmemissmo]

I called around to a couple vets and they range from 50-80 just for the visit. Plus medications....

I have no money...I just moved to cali and I am only working a PT job...

I feel like I am gonna end up killing both of them...

If anyone is able to take him to the vet and wants a new RES I will bring him to you.

I don't want him to die, but I can't afford for him to go.

[marisa]

callmemissmo, try contacting the California Turtle and Tortoise Club, the chapter nearest you. This is a link to the different chapters http://www.tortoise.org/cttc/cttcmore.html (don't know which is nearest to you). Perhaps a member would be willing to take them or at least help.

In the meantime, keep them in shallower water so they don't have to expend energy (a bit more than the width of the largest one's shell). Have the water temp at about 82-83F and the basking area about 92F. The extra warmth will help their immune systems work. Keep them out of drafts and breezes.

Good Luck.

[callmemissmo]

thanks marissa...i decided not to give him up...is it okay that they are together? Because I had them seperated but put them back in the same tank because I felt bad for them...cuz they missed one another...

I am praying that he will get better and who knows? God can do amazing things and if its in my heart I know he will do it...

[steve]

If you suspect illness, keep them separated.

[marisa]

The swimming lopsided is really not good. If at all possible, try to get the sick one to a herp vet. (And do keep them separated. The one that's ill should have the temps as described above, but I'd keep the other one a bit warmer as well. Are they eating?