Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I adopted an adult Ornate yesterday from someone who had kept it in a box all summer until the point at which it was about dead. She has what seems to be an obvious respiratory infection with the closed, puffy eyes, and the bubble from her nose when she is handled. She is dare I say half the weight of my other adults of her size. My question is if there is anything that can be done at this point. I am going to try and get her to my reptile vet this afternoon and see if it can be saved but was looking for advise from others that have come across this situation. I have had box turtles most of my life but have never had this problem as mine are kept free roaming in a fenced back yard.

Thanks for any input

allen

I would soak her now and get her to a vet fast! She most likely can be saved. The soaking in just warmer than room temp. Will help her hydrate. The vet will get her on antibiotics and eye drops or gel. If she is really bad maybe a feeding tube for a short time. With some effort you could have a friend for life.

P.S. beat the person who kept it in a box.

Good luck Peeps

Thanks for the advise. I am at work but will have her to a vet by days end. She has currently burried herself into a sandy soil part of my yard where the females usually lay there eggs. That location is always moist and well hydrated with soaker hoses on a timer. I am in North Texas so the outside temp is still around 85-90 during the day so I would like to think she is warm and will recover well. I will however soak her in warm water daily until she recovers My only other concern is getting her healthy in time to gain some weight before hibernation time comes next month. Worst case I will have to keep her indoors through the winter.

Allen