Urgent Care :: possible RI

[greenguys]

Help my turtle is sick. I have only had him a little over a week now. He was stressed but I had him in a good environment. 20 gallon tank with water temp. in upper 70's and a proper basking area with two types of lights. I read all the stuff on this website twice. Aside from needing a bigger tank, I am doing all of the basic care items in regards to water temp, basking, feeding, etc. I am now pretty sure my little guy has got an RI. He is making open mouth motions all the time when he is out of the water. Sometimes I hear him make noises from his mouth. Also, I noticed today a white film clinging to his mouth. I thought shedding at first but now I fear the worst. He hasn't been eating either. I tried to hand feed him and he at a little and spit it out right after. He is isolated on his own now in a little ten gallon tank to keep him away from other turtle. I feel so bad. I looked up herp vets and I hope they have flexible hours because I can't take off work easily. I'm just so worried.
Alice

[fungke]

where are you located?
bring your turtle to the vet asap.
the symptoms you describe are the exact same as what my girlfriend's turtle experienced. don't delay...take it to the vet asap.

keep me posted.

[steve]

Can you answer some of the questions here:
http://www.redearslider.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2142

How is his swimming behavior? Any listing?

[greenguys]

How big is your turtle? 2 1/2 inches
How long have you had it? 1 week and a half

What is the water temperature? 78 degrees
Are you using a water heater? sometimes
How much water is in there? 7 gallons
Are you using a water conditioner? yes
Are you using any filtration? yes -whisper filter 20i

What is the basking temperature? 89
Is there a basking light? yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? floating small plastic with ramp
Is there a UVB light? yes

What have you been trying to feed it? yes
When was the last time your turtle ate? not sure but rarely eats

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 20
Is the tank near a window? not really
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? nope

Have you read the Basic Care section? yes twice
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? yes all 26 pages of urgent care

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? I haven't noticed weird swimming or anything but he has this white stuff slightly under his mouth. He also looks like he is gulping for air when he opens his mouth out of water. He does this a lot. Right now he is in a ten gallon little tank because I am afraid he will infect the other turtle. I am trying to make it warmer in this tank and put a stronger light on him. He looks so unhappy. I want to try to get him to a vet but being a teacher it is very hard to take off. Alice

[greenguys]

I live in Fort Myers, Florida.

[steve]

How long is he basking? They can develop a thin amount of mucus if they bask for long periods of time. Can you provide a picture?

I think that the lack of appetite is a concern. You can try to bump up the temps a bit... 82F for the water, 95F for the basking area.

[marisa]

I'd just find a herp vet and have him seen (try to make the time to do so)---the frequent yawning, wheezing and not eating are among the classic signs of a respiratory infection, which could develop into pneumonia. I wouldn't delay. Keeping him warmer would help---a water temp of 82F is OK, but I'd keep the basking area temp at just about 10 degrees higher--92F.

[greenguys]

Yeah, I called and made an appointment. I am really worried though that he won't make it till then. I was talking to a friend who gets her animal antibiotics at a local store. I called them and they said they think they have something that will work for him. Should I try to self treat? Another friend thinks I should release him and he will get better in the wild on his own with real sunlight. Do you think that? Sorry, this is really heart breaking and it feels better just to be talking to someone who cares about the little guys as much as I do. Thanks, Alice

[SpotsMama]

I'm not going to comment on antibiotics from a store but I do know that releasing him would be a bad thing. He wouldn't make it for sure, especially in the wintertime. How long before the vet will see him?

[greenguys]

Oh and also I believe he basks for much of the day. I offer him live shrimp, dried shrimp, carrots, lettuce, pellets, tuna water pellets, krill, these little ball pellets, and feeder fish. I have tried many different foods to entice him. I have never seen him eat though. I will try to get a picture posted. I am so afraid to go home though in case he has passed. Thanks, Alice

[greenguys]

The vet can see him on Monday in the morning. It is not really winter here in Florida but I get your point. That is what i thought too.

[SpotsMama]

I'm sending my positive thoughts to you and your turtle. The little turtles are kind of delicate. When they've been living in stressful or unhygenic conditions sometimes they get an infection but the symptoms don't show up right away, until you've gotten them home. It sounds like you really care about your little guy and are doing everything that can be done. good luck!

[greenguys]

Well Stanley is now on antibiotics. He made it through the weekend but he is still very sick. He now has a white spot on his shell and his eyes are having trouble opening. I am running two tanks but his only has the spare not so great parts. I feel so bad. Thanks for everyones help and comfort. I'll keep you posted. Alice

[da sAUCE!]

I'm sorry your turt is sick. It sounds you know how to take care of it and unfortunatley, some turtles get sick and show no symptoms when you buy them. The Antibiotics should do him well, you nipped it in the bud, and are a model turt owner. Congrats.

[marisa]

Glad you had him seen for treatment. Keep him a bit warmer than usual---water temp 81-82F, basking area 10 degrees higher. The added warmth along with the antibiotics should help knock the infection out of him. What meds is he on?