when picking up filters from a momnpop shop for my turtle tank, i saw a sickly looking red eared slider hatchling. when inquiring about him the store owner told me it was brought in wild bred after being accidentally hit by a weed whacker. he'd been there 3-4weeks already. i asked how much for him and he gave the little hatchling to me for free since i had red eared sliders already. this took place on 3-8-12.
i called the vet the following day explaining the visible injuries and what history i knew. vet said to treat with an antibiotic water in case of internal injuries, apply ointment (neosporin) to exterior damage, and syringe feed regular meat and veggie baby food (using chicken and gravy on occasion, but takes more to the apple and mango).
from day one little Julius Caesar (as i've come to call the hatchling) was really weak, only ate when coaxed 1xpd, and did nothing but bask in the uvb/heatlamps. he was too weak to pick himself up, and was really lethargic.
at day 10, his scabs over his damaged eye have fallen off naturally, he swims for short 1-2mins 3xpd when made to (i place him in the water and he swims in circles until he finds the ramp back to the basking area), and eats 2-3xpd (only when coaxed), and interacts with my other hatchling (basking next to/on top of each other...or rather older hatchling uses him as stool). he's able to pick himself up and move around, but not very far as he still gets worn out easily.
now my problem is the black spots from where the weed whacker hit his shell haven't gone away. where it peeled the scutes off has regrown, but still has black spots, the red spot on his plaston under his right leg hasn't gotten any better or worse (don't have a visible photo of it but can try for one tomorrow during feeding), and the black spot from where he was hit in the nose by the weed whacker is still there too.
any advice on what the spots could be and how i can treat it as the ointment apparently isn't working on them and i can't afford the vet bill for another few weeks?
How big is your turtle? 1.5"
How long have you had it? 10 days
What is the water temperature? 75-78f
Did you use a thermometer? in water and over basking area
Are you using a water heater? yes. preset to 78; one on each side of the tank
How much water is in there? 49gals of water, sectioned off with a divider between hatchlings and larger slider. hatchlings have 1/3 of tank space
Are you using a water conditioner? yes
Are you using any filtration? undergravel and tetrafauna waterfall
What is the basking temperature? day 85, night 77f
Is there a basking light? yes (ceramic heat emitter)
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? floating dock with ramp
What kind is it or what is it made out of? zoo med mini
Is there a UVB light? 2. one in hood over back half of tank. one in clamp desk lamp over hatchling basking area.
What have you been trying to feed it? vet recommended human baby food. won't take it by syringe but when i put turtle in shallow water and inject baby food into water with fluckers calcium supplement hatchling will drink the water. prefers apple and mango flavour over chicken with gravy.
When was the last time your turtle ate? 11:30pm 3/17/12
How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 1/3 of a 55gal
Is the tank near a window? no
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? no
Have you read the Basic Care section? yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? not thoroughly
Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? still shows no interest in pellets, live/freedried food. other then that, is gaining in strength and otherwise seems healthy. has become more curious about surroundings and will walk around more when on desk for feeding time with frequent breaks. doesn't gasp for air more then normal (based on watching other two pet sliders).
