Urgent Care :: SOMEONE PLEASE HELP

[Brianthedog18]

I already posted a questioin before, but the only one who responded was Cam (thanks cam). But I need some more advice! My turtle is excesively basking (to the point where I have to force him into the water because he stayed on the dock 3 hours after the light went off, he won't even go in the water to eat so I think it's more than just the seasons). Also, he sneezes sometimes and I can see bubbles around his mouth. I noticed the other day that the area around his mouth is turning white. He also has 3 white spots on his shell ( I think it's shell rot ) He also has a pink area on the side of his shell. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!

[Vivi]

take him to the vet that doesnt sound good and i cant even imagine it can you post pics??

[JessicaTS]

This is leading to respiratory infection, sadly. You need to get him to the vet asap. Can you post pics of the mouth and the nose, the spots, and the pink area?
For now, keep him hydrated as well as warm. Keep the water as a clean as possible and do not stress him out, such as too much handling or watching him

[steve]

Brianthedog18, you did not answer marisa's question regarding his eating. Is he still eating and does he have an appetite? If he is sneezing regularly and has lethargic behaviour, than it can be symptoms of a respiratory infection.

How is his behaviour towards you? Does he respond to you? Does he beg for food, will he chase live food? If he is not responding, than I would take him to a vet ASAP. Turtles cannot recover from these infections by themselves and need medical help and supervision.

[marisa]

Brianthedog, I gave you a suggestion about what to do in your other post (Something is Wrong with My Turtle). In your other previous post about your turtle's shell, there were also suggestions about what to do as well as suggestions and links to where to go to get your turtle seen by a herp vet. If you haven't read them, please do. At this point, I think it's important that you take your turtle in to be seen by someone. Keep him warm in the meantime (look at your other post).

[Brianthedog18]

Sorry marisa, I didn't see your response from my last post. He does eat, but only when I force him in the water. I did raise the water temerature since I read that reply. Steve, he does not beg for food, but he does respond to me (i.e. move his head and watch me when I'm near). I have an appointement tomorrow to go to a herp vet and have him checked out. I also apologize for seeming to "blow up" there, I'm just very worried and kinda freaked out.

As for the appointment tomorrow, hopefully everything will go well, but I don't know if I will be able to afford his treatment, it depends on what he needs. If I cant afford it for some reason, then I realize that I may have to give him away to someone who can better take care of him. That is my absolute last choice, but if it's better for the turtle then I'll do whatever I have to. Thank you all very much for your help, you've all given me great advice since I started here. I'll keep you posted on what happens.

[jenaero]

some vets will arrange a payment plan if you can't afford the whole bill right away. Ask them about that. Good luck!

[Brianthedog18]

Yes, actually I called the vet back to ask for an estimate based on his symptoms and he estimated around $80 which is MUCH less then I expected, so I can afford it!

[jenaero]

good to hear! Let us know what happens

[steve]

Also, they might throw an expensive salmonella test at you which you should avoid.. unless you're concerned about it.

[marisa]

Glad to hear it. Also, don't automatically let the vet give your turtle a Vit. A shot "just in case" if there are no obvious signs of vit A deficiency. Let us know the outcome. Where did you finally take Leo?

[Brianthedog18]

I'm taking him to the Bolton Animal hospital tomorrow morning, I couldn't find that place you mentioned before and this was the closest I could locate. I've talked to the vet and it seems like a very nice place, but we'll find out, I'll let you know tomorrow.

[marisa]

That's probably the same place I mentioned in my other post (Bolton Veterinary Clinic). They treat all kinds of animals, including turtles. Hope the outcome is positive.

[Brianthedog18]

Yep, that's the place. I just got back a few hours ago, and it went wonderfully. The doctor said it is by far one of the better cases she's seen and that Leo should be fine. She gave me an oral medicine to give him every day, as well as a set of wipes to scrub his shell with to remove the shell rot. She also told me to remove the water from his tank and just put down paper towels because the water can make his RI worse. So I got home, put down some paper towels, pointed the light at the ground, added a few rocks for him to play with and put in a small cardboard box for him to hide in (not sure if the box is necesary, just thought it would be nice).
So for the next 3 weeks I'm keeping him in the tank and putting him in water to feed him for 30 mins each feeding. If weather permits, I'll try to take him outside, and I've put together a much better variety of food for him. Overall, the vet was great, she was very knowledgable and gave me all the answers I needed. And best of all, the cost only came to $56!! It was $51 for the visit and $5 for the medicine! It doesn't get any better than that!

Thanks for your help everyone, and I'll keep you updated on how he's doing.

[marisa]

That's wonderful news! (Do you happen to remember what the Dr.'s name was?) Let us know how Leo's doing.