Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I am actually a lizard owner, but a lover of all animals and I have recently stumbled upon a turtle in need. I live at a university and a housing staff member found an abandoned turtle in a dorm room over winter break. It had been left for atleast two weeks without food, water, or heat. It now will not eat, and the biggest concern for me is that its eyes are sealed shut. I have tried placing a warm, wet cloth on her eyes to help break the seal, but it has not worked. She is now becoming fairly lifeless...any reccomendations? I would hate to lose her now...thanks to anyone who has advice.

Hey,

Wow that's unfortunate that somebody would be so careless. Anyway, if there are veterinarians nearby, that's my first suggestion--take it there to be rehydrated and for a complete checkup. The vet, assuming he/she has knowledge of turtle care, can do what is necessary to rescue the animal.

What I would do in the meantime is soak the turtle in a shallow basin of warm (80s) water to see if he/she will drink. Offer some food too (sticks, meat, crickets, worms, fruit, etc); you never know, the turtle might respond.

I hope other people can give advice as well. Good luck and keep us posted.

Johnny

get it to a vet to get checked that is the best course of action

The dehydration would not be especially harmful (assuming it was dry for only about a week or two), but the lack of heat may have caused respiratory disease, as suggested by the swollen eyes, which are a secondary symptom. Hold the turtle's head near your ear and prod it to withdraw quickly, causing a rapid expiration of breath. If the sound is "wet" or crackling, rather than a clean hiss, this is suggestive of problems. You didn't mention the species. A north American turtle can usually tolerate cool temperatures, but a strictly tropical species will suffer after a short exposure to very cool temperatures. If the turtle is very moribund (head and limbs constantly extended and immobile)and inactive at this point it may be beyond help, which you must consider, as a vet will provide the necessary treatment (probably injectable antibiotics) but will charge the going rate (probably $50 minimum), which you may be reluctant or unable to pay for an "adoptee". Continue to treat the eyes (triple antibiotic ointment works well if the problem is only local), keep it warm (80 plus)and well-hydrated in any event. Let us know what species it is.

Thank you to everyone who has offered their assistance with the turtle. To the person who asked what kind of turtle, all I can tell you is its a box turtle (sorry, I am historically a lizard/snake person). Here's the update: being a college student without a car, I found another fellow animal lover who is going to take the turtle to the vet for me on Monday (we got an appointment). We both just hope she makes it through the weekend...thank you everyone and I will let you know how she is doing!

I have had this happen before! If u go down to your local pet store and look for a bottle of "Turtle eye drops" my is made by nature zone it works like a charm.(usually only 4 dollars)