Urgent Care :: Turtle acting strange

[klc2ocean]

My turtle is over a yr old yesterday he was on the dock with the other turtle and the other turtle knocked him in ever since he spins in the water and extends his neck all the way out and looks at everything upside down even tries to eat his food that way he cheeks have are bulging I called the Vet they say he is just goofing around I don't think so yesterday I kept him seperate from the other but I'm worried about the water being to cold for him. My son and I are so upset twice we thought he was dead because of the way he has been acting. Also when he tries to swim he leans to one side he cant go straight. Any ideas would be much appreciated!!!!!

[untsmurf]

What are your water and basking temps? I'm not sure, but I think that if a turtle is swimming off balance it could be a sign of a respiratory infection. Don't quote me on that though. Wait for the experts to add their input. While you are waiting, it would really help to answer these questions:
How big is your turtle?
How long have you had it?

What is the water temperature?
Did you use a thermometer?
Are you using a water heater?
How much water is in there?
Are you using a water conditioner?
Are you using any filtration?

What is the basking temperature?
Is there a basking light?
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on?
What kind is it or what is it made out of?
Is there a UVB light?

What have you been trying to feed it?
When was the last time your turtle ate?

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure?
Is the tank near a window?
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity?

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

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms?

[megcornell]

It definitely sounds like he's ill. The inability to right himself and swim evenly points to a respiratory infection. RIs are very contagious so you'll want to keep him separated from your other turtle and get him to a good herp vet ASAP. The vet should prescribe him a course of antibiotics if it is a RI. I prefer the injectable ones because then I know my turtle is getting the whole dose. I'd be worried about him spitting out some of the oral meds. But, if you're uncomfortable with injections the oral meds are an option.
For now, keep him warm and quiet. Usually RIs are caused by chills. Do you happen to have the tank near an A/C vent or something? Also what is the water temp? You may want to boost the tank temp to 80 and keep the sick guy in 80 degree water as well. The heat helps to boost their immune system. Other than that try and keep him (the ill one) eating. He'll need his strength to fight the infection. Even if this means feeding him "junk food" like tuna. Any calories are better than no calories.

[steve]

When my turtle was a hatchling, he had an unknown ailment that disrupted his orientation. He did not have RI, but he had difficulty swimming (swam in circles, even upside down) and he would miss when trying to eat his food.

I had to keep him shallow water, since drowning was a serious possibility and he had to be fed delicately. He did see a vet who administered a series of antibiotic/vitamin shots though I doubt they were effective. Overtime his conditioned improved and is fine now except for some pyramiding due to the shallow water, his irregular appetite and my inexperience.

You might want to consult a different vet, one more experienced and professional.

[marisa]

How is the turtle behaving now?

How big is he and how big is the other turtle? What size tank are they in?

From what you wrote, his behavior sounds bizzare and I'm not sure what you mean by "bulging cheeks"...

His tilting points to an RI, and if that's what he has, he really shouldn't be in cool water...What's the temp of the water and basking area? If his behavior hasn't improved, try to find a herp vet that will take your concern more seriously than the one you called, and have him checked out.

[industrial_girl_2000]

How is your turtle doing today? Can you answer the questions people asked about basking & water temp so we can help you further?