Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My girlfriend has had a box turtle now for about 2 months that was attacked by her dog. The attack cracked his shell, and sadly he lost the use of his back legs, but they aren't completely paralyzed.

After about three weeks, his health started to deteriorate, starting with his bowel movements (first diarrhea, and then he wouldn't use the bathroom at all for about 2 weeks, and he's only went once since then). Then, his shell started smelling bad and he wouldn't eat.

Now, he'll eat, but he's extremely lethargic and he has trouble opening his eyes. We have to soak him in warm water before he'll open them, and even then he only keeps them open for around 10 minutes. There's also what appears to be puss, or dead skin in the front corner of his eyes as well as a little bit of white 'crud' around his mouth. From what I've read, he doesn't appear to have any respiratory problems though.

As for his enclosure, he's in a 30 gallon long aquarium, with a UV light, a couple of live plants (which we just added a couple of days ago), and a bedding mixture of sphagnum moss and mulch/potting soil. We try to keep the temperature between 75 and 85 degrees.

Any suggestions other than the obvious (vet)? It would break her heart to hear a vet say he needed to be put to sleep, so that's a last resort right now. We're willing to try anything or even drive him somewhere if anybody (within 50 miles of Louisville, KY) would be willing to take a look at him.

Thanks guys...

There is no other answer besides the obvious. If you care for this turtle, which I believe you do, then realize that it's pretty clear this animal is suffering from a systemic infection and that the only recourse you have is a broad spectrum antibiotic. This all adds up to the obvious: take him to a vet ASAP! And let's all hope that you haven't waited too long.

>>There is no other answer besides the obvious. If you care for this turtle, which I believe you do, then realize that it's pretty clear this animal is suffering from a systemic infection and that the only recourse you have is a broad spectrum antibiotic. This all adds up to the obvious: take him to a vet ASAP! And let's all hope that you haven't waited too long.

Gotta say ditto to that.
My Chip got treatment a little later than I wanted, he was infected after a dog chewing but he pulled through.
It's been a year & a month, he's doing great right now.
Please let us know what happens with your girl friend's turtle.
Good luck!
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PHRatz