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I have red ear slider turtles. I had one recently die ...
Sent to Reptile Experts May 11 01:26 AM

I have red ear slider turtles. I had one recently die and now I have one with the same symptoms. It acts like he is gasping for air and strecthces out its neck and legs. Then almost hick-ups. Last nite I got it to eat one piece of frozen beef heart. Tonight, nothing. What is it and what can I do for it????

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May 11 2:20 AM (54 minutes and 33 seconds later)
         
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Hello animallover

Your turtle is exibiting classic signs of a respiratory infection. These need to be treated by an exotic animal vet. If you don't already have a vet here is a link that gives you exotic vets by state:

http://www.aemv.org/vetlist.cfm

Some things you can do until you can get to the vet are increase water temp slightly, make sure the tank is clean, reduce stress by keeping any vibrations to a minimum, make sure that he has full spectrum light.

Respiratory infections in turtles are quite serious and without antibiotic treatments they often don't recover. On rare occasion if the illness is minor taking the steps above can help. Once they start displaying the neck stretching and they stop eating they are having severe difficulties.

I am so sorry about your turtles. I do hope that he will recover.

Sincerely,

Bunny

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