Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello. I am new to this forum and/or posting in general, but I need advice! One of my two turtles (I have two, one is smaller, one is bigger, I am talking about the smaller one) went into intestinal prolapse and had a part of his/her intestines CHOMPED off by the other turtle that was in the tank with her/him (the tail and claws are longer, is this the male?). I do not have enough money to take her/him to the vets, and I don't know if it'd help or not. I do not know how much the other turtle took off (he/she is bigger and bulkier, is this the female turtle?).

1. Should I feed antibiotics? I've already done this before, the smaller turtle (the one who had a part of his intestines chomped off), had pneumonia before and I gave him antibiotics and he recovered. I'm afraid that he might get an infection.
2. What else can I do?
3. Should I keep them separated definitely/like through a makeshift barrier in the tank?
4. How long should I wait before feeding him? Should I feed him at all?
5. Should I even feed the other turtle? I'm really mad at her right now for EATING part of the other one's intestines! and I DO NOT EVER WANT TO FEED HER. She's sitting in a small bowl right now and I do not want to take her out of it.

Current status of sick turtle: seems to be "normal" at least part of the time, other times, he swims around the tank like crazy bumping into all the sides and clawing at everything.

Current status of female (?): sitting in small bowl.

Opps. I meant to also include: my email address is magicnature100@hotmail.com. Thanks!

First of all, stop being mad at the turtle that took a bite. It's perfectly natural behavior, just trying out something new in the tank. a turtle with a prolapse, or a "fanning" male is in danger. it's up to the owner to separate turtles under those conditions.

we don't have enough info to tell you the sex of your turtles. you can't tell until they are at least 4-5" long, and you can have some surprises after that.

an intestinal prolapse is never normal, and should be seen by a vet or rehabber. If the turtle is a male, and was just "fanning" his reproductive organs, that wouldn't be a problem on its own. however , if a bite was taken out of those organs, ther3e could be serious health issues. you really should have a vet check it out. call around and see if someone is willing to let you pay on installments. it's not a good idea to feed antibiotics to a turtle withoug being directed by a vet.

I understand. Everyone says see a vet, however, I don't have the money to pay for it, and I go off to college next year, so you can imagine how little I will have. I've already asked how much it is, and I do know a place, but they won't even talk to me unless I go in and pay them first. First the exam, then the X-rays, then the "observation time," then the "surgery," or whatever's next... etc... I don't even HAVE that money to use in normal life, I would love to though.
I have given him antibiotics before, so it's not the side effects that I'm worried about, it's the "if it's necessary" part. He hasn't shown any signs of an infection yet though.
"Fanning his "parts""? Are you saying he intentionally "showed" his innards to the bigger female? And it wasn't because he wasn't eating or something? He always seems to go crazy right before a prolapse, as in, swim and hit the sides of the tank, "pawing" at the sides, etc... I've separated them twice before, because I thought that he might go into a prolapse.

If it really was an intestinal prolapse and your turtle actually took a bite out of it and you won't take the turtle to the vet, the best thing you can possibly do is get a nice grave ready for it in the back yard and prepare for a funeral. If you'd like help planning the funeral let us know, I'm sure we can give you some tips.

Um... that was "honest." Thanks anyway.

If something took a big bite out of you wouldn't you see a doctor? When you take a pet into your home you are responsible for it's every need.
Denying necessary medical treatment to a wounded animal is called cruelty to animals.
Don't be cruel to this animal.
There are ways to get money for needed medical care, borrow the money, get a job and make the money, have a garage sale, sell something else.
You aren't totally poor, you have a computer sell it if you have to.
This animal's life is more important than your material things are.

another alternative is to find a home for the turtles with a new owner that is prepared to care for them properly. Sooner rather than later for the injured turtle, or the funeral suggestion becomes more appropriate.

Ian

ps, don't get more animals until college is done and your excuses have gone the wayside.

Agreed 100%. If you can't do the right thing then don't have the animal. By now if this animal is still prolapsed, a piece was taken out of it and you still have not taken it to a vet you can pretty much kiss it good bye. Don't get angry at the other turtle for harming your smaller one. It just did something natural. The real harm was you not getting it the right medical attention or giving it up to someone who could.