Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have had three northeastern box turtles for about 4 years. I have just noticed today that one of them, Big Girl, CAN NOT open her mouth. she is a very lively turtle and will eat almost anything that moves. a cricket was killed and we gave it to her to eat. She poked at it as they often do. She continued to poke and after looking closer i realized she was trying to open her mouth, but couldn't. She was only able to open it about 2-3 millimeters. It wasn't because she wasn't hungry because she continued to try to eat it. I tried again later and she is opening her mouth even less. Her eyes and breathing are normal, she doesn't seem lethargic, and her shell color and texture seems fine. It is in the high 80's so she isn't cold, but i tried to put her under a lamp for a bit just in case. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE if you have any information let me know asap. i've been searching the internet all day for solutions or others with the same problem and i haven't found anything. There's no exotic vet near me and i need help ASAP. thank you so much.

You NEED to find a vet if your turtle truly can't eat. You should have a vet to consult with for any future issues or emergencies that could come up. No one wants to have to search for one in an emergency. Time is precious. No one wants to lose a pet either. If money is an issue you can often make payment arrangements with a vet or you can contact a wildlife rehabber. If you need help finding one let us know.

http://www.turtletimes.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=4964
http://www.nytts.org/nytts/helpnet.htm#NY

Because of your handle I put links to New York vets. However if you go to either site you will find MANY vets in every state. Find the one closest to you. If that one is still to far ask for a referral to one that is closer. I believe you will be surprised at how many herp/turtle vets there really are out there. 20 years ago almost none, but now they are all over the place.

Make sure she is well hydrated. Keep us posted. I hope she gets better soon.

Is there any swelling around the sides of her head? Ear abscesses are painful and the turtle often is not able to open its mouth.

Debbie
Director, Massachusetts Turtle Rescue, Inc.
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Massachusetts_Turtle_Rescue/

Posted by: NYGiants5391 at Mon Aug 4 18:57:27 2008 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ]

I have had three northeastern box turtles for about 4 years. I have just noticed today that one of them, Big Girl, CAN NOT open her mouth. she is a very lively turtle and will eat almost anything that moves. a cricket was killed and we gave it to her to eat. She poked at it as they often do. She continued to poke and after looking closer i realized she was trying to open her mouth, but couldn't. She was only able to open it about 2-3 millimeters. It wasn't because she wasn't hungry because she continued to try to eat it. I tried again later and she is opening her mouth even less. Her eyes and breathing are normal, she doesn't seem lethargic, and her shell color and texture seems fine. It is in the high 80's so she isn't cold, but i tried to put her under a lamp for a bit just in case. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE if you have any information let me know asap. i've been searching the internet all day for solutions or others with the same problem and i haven't found anything. There's no exotic vet near me and i need help ASAP. thank you so much.
Massachusetts Turtle Rescue, Inc

A vet appointment is needed to rule out other problems such as respiratory infection, etc and to clean the eyes of any substance that may be present, such as puss. Vitamin A drops are sold in pet stores and are of little use. Vitamin A is produced within the body from diet and anything sold will not render any solution and may cause other troubles. Vitamin A is easily gotten from diet from a variety of foods. Can you tell us what you are feeding the turtle? Many eye problems though can be attributed to environment and even with possible infection of the eye (Vitamin A drops won't have any effect on curing this)any problems will have to be addressed to ensure no further eye troubles/infections will occur. Cab you describe how the turtle is being kept and include substrate used and if its moist? Box turtles need moisture and humidity to prevent helath problems.
Massachusetts Turtle Rescue