If ther stringy thing is indeed a tapeworm or a roundworm:
(1)it IS a problem as the worm will cause digestion diffiuclties and effectively rob the turtle of its food, the turtle will continue eating but the worm wil eat much of its food and make some of it indigestible.
(2)yes it can be treated at home without the help of a vet but its a long difficult (months) process and it doesn't always work. I did this once with some medications designed for tropical fish but it took many monthsd before it was gone and ended up costing me lots of money and time in clenaings, bleach, the fish medication and eventuially the effort of tube feeding the turtle.
(3) The best way to go is to find a herp vet. A herp vet is simply one who has specirfic training dealing with turtles, snakes, lizards etc (herp is short for "herptile" which is generic word for reptiles and amphibians)
Most vets get very little traing with these animals; the focus of the standard veterinary couses is apparentely dogs, cats and farm animals. So you have to really LOOK for a qualified reptile vet. Unfortunately many clinics and animals hospitals wil say they will be happy to treat your turtle when in fact, their vets are less than suited to do so.
BUT in your case a roundworm or tapeworm is not the hardest thing to deal with. Even so the thing to do is go here:
This is the web page of the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarains. Using the tabs click United States (if you live there) or "worldwide" if you live outside the States and then select a more specifc region.
When you find the state or country in which you live, you will see many vets which are listed as being trained to help reptiles. Pick a name or address that seems close to you and look in your local phone book for that name or the associated animals hospital or clinic.
Then just call and ask for ther specific person listed on the ARAV list. make an appointment to see her/him.
Expect to pay 25 - 45 US dollars for the visit and 10 -16 dollars for the medication.
Usually what is prescribed for round worms is :
Thiabendazole or Fenbendazole or Menbendazole.
Sometimes less knowledgeable vets may recommend a drug called "ivermectin". This is to be avoided as it is known to be fatal to at least soem species of turtles. If the vet mentions "Ivermectin" or "Ivomec", mention that you have read it is dangerous to turtles and DO NOT give it to the turtle.
For tapeworms:
the drug of choice seems to be
Praziquantel.
In order for your vet to properly diagnose the turtle it will need a fecal sample and/or a pice of the stringy white thing. try to get some poop from the turtle and save it in a pastic bag. If you can get the white string, all the better.
expect to have to put the medication on the turtle's food and to have to clean the tank very well several times with bleach afterard. Discuss the details with the vet.
WASH YOUR HANDS afterward.
If you have trouble finding a vet still, let us know. If you tell us where you live chances are good that soembody can find you a reptile vet soemwhat nearby if you live near a big city (especially in the U.S.)
Good Luck and let us know how it works.
