Urgent Care :: Squeaky turtle

[corey7144]

Izzy has been fine for the year i've had her, but i've been paranoid about her health. Now im wondering if shes having a problem. She has a small white spot on her shell, not fuzzy, it's like normal shell, just white. When she comes to the surface she squeaks. Her appitite is fine and shes swims fine. She does live with another turtle so i wonder if shes just tired, they swim alot more than they bask. The water temp is about room temp, so 70 degrees. I'm also on the second floor so it's even warmer. I've been appling turtle ointment to her shell and neck (she had some dry skin, might have been from a bite.) Zippy does not have any of the same symtoms. Hes healthy as ever.

[geekyturtle]

They may be nipping at each other or just getting more aggressive - constantly chasing around the tank, not letting Izzy bask, etc. Try separating them and see if Izzy's condition changes.

[corey7144]

Izzy basks more than he does and they bask togather alot too.

[steve]

Would you describe the "squeaking" as heavy breathing, almost like a whistling sound?

[corey7144]

Yes, i was also looking at her neck where im applying the ointment and saw that it is actually a bite and she has a patch of loose skin, And i'm concerned. I didn't see it happen because i have school during the day. Its not bleeding its just sitting there. I can maybe post a picture tomorrow if that will help?

[steve]

Does it look raw or pinkish? I think you really need to consider separation at this point.

[SpotsMama]

For the wound, apply a little antibiotic ointment with a q tip. Let it soak in for around 15 minutes before putting her back in the tank.

On the shell ointment, you should skip it. Shell ointments are oily and the oil prevents the shell from "breathing" like it should. Over time, shell ointments can actually cause a lot of damage to a shell. They make it look pretty for the sort term, but since you're in it for the long term it's best to keep your turtle as healthy as possible.

On the breathing sounds, one of the typical symptoms of respiratory infection is noisy breathing, gasping for breath, yawning a lot or breathing with the mouth open. Some other symptoms are lethargy, poor appetite, swollen or irritated eyes and mucus around the mouth or nose. Also, swimming lopsided or difficulty submerging. If you notice any more of the symptoms then you should probably think about getting him/her to a vet. A turtle doesn't have to show all the symptoms to be sick, but if he/she is showing two or three of these symptoms, then I'd get worried.

And I agree it's time to separate the turtles. Once they start fighting it just escalates. A turtle can very quickly kill or injure another turtle - I can show you some pretty sad threads on here about fighting turtles.

[corey7144]

I took her away from zippy last night after i caught him attacking her. I dont have enough money for two tanks so i think i have to give one away. It's a very hard decision and i don't want to make it. Her breathing is back to normal so her only problem is the hurt neck and its not pink its light brown. It doesn't look infected its just dead skin I think. I talked to some friends at school and found one who may be able to take a turtle, But the whole thing is sad. I like izzy and zippy(except for his anger issue.) I don't know what to do.

[corey7144]

Also Izzys in the tank because of her injurie. Zippys in a container with some water.

[SpotsMama]

Something you might think about is housing one of them in a rubbermaid tub or stock tank. They are a lot less expensive than glass aquariums and make very good turtle homes. Of course, you also need lights and a filter etc but the stock tank would help.

I'm sorry you have to deal with this. It's a very common problem - you'll have lots of company on here.

[corey7144]

thanks i'll think about it!