Urgent Care :: Turtle trying to pass suction cup

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Hi I'm looking for help with my turtle who swallowed a suction cup. I noticed him trying to pass it, at first I thought he had something stuck to his tail but then I realized he was trying to push it out. He was unable to push it and it went back up inside of him. If I see him trying to push it out again should I try to pull it or could that hurt him? Is there anything I can do to make it easier for him to pass? He seems fine and is swimming and acting normally. Thank you in advance for any help you can give me.

[Love of Animals]

Wow, poor turtle. How big is your turtle and how big was the suction cup? I wouldn't pull it out without a vet consult first. If it doesn't come out he could become impacted and develop an infection. Time to see the vet.

[PridgNYC]

How do you know it was a suction cup? Is your turtle big enough to ingest a suction cup? Is the suction cup black, or clear, and how big is it? (The reason I ask if it was black, is that you may have been seeing his penis, it is an odd looking organ)

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There is a suction cup missing from the tank it came off of the filter and yes it is black but I'm sure it wasn't his penis. I would say the suction cup is about 3/4 of an inch.His carapace length is about 7 inches he is male Red Ear Slider and is 7 years old.

[steve]

When did he eat it?

[Love of Animals]

At least he's a good size turtle. He may pass it on his own. Feed lots of leafy greens and see if he can pass it. If you see him straining and nothing comes out, take him to the vet to avoid impaction.

[happycamper]

Poor turtle! That sounds awful

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Thanks I will try the leafy greens if he doesn't pass it soon we will be going to the vet. I'm not sure when he ate it I didn't notice it was missing until he tried to pass it.

[Love of Animals]

Good Luck and please keep us posted.