Reptile & Amphibian Forums

the little guy has been sneezing lately and making some funny sounds, even opening his mouth often, but no discharge. how do i know if it's a respiratory infection or cold? if it's just cold, i could just raise the temp and he'll heal in a short time (few days) right?

I just replied to your question below...a cold is a minor respiratory infection. It is possible that your turtle could fight off an infection, raising the temp would help. It is also possible that your little friend could take a turn for the worse and the infection could kill him. Are you willing to take that chance? If your turtle is making wheezing noise it is likely more serious and will require some antibiotics from the vet. Don't wait too long.

Good luck! Nancy

oh no!! my turtle is making whining sounds. i guess this is a really bad sign? i put it in warm water and am changing the water every once in a while to make sure it's warm.

how much would a vet cost? i read some discussions earlier and it seems vets are really expensive. i am a student, and my parents would never let me spend more than $50 on some turtle medicine. they would just tell me to get a new one... =( =( is there anything else i could do?

i gave the turtle some vitamin C rich stuff (tomato and some fish), hope that will boast its immune a little...any other suggestions? if i feed it a little human cold medicine, would that work?

Don't give it human medacine. look online for a reptile vet near you and give them a call. Have them quote you a price over the phone and then if it's more than $50 ask them if you can pay $50 up front and then be put on a payment plan. Most vets will be flexable because they don't want to see your pet die either.

I agree that cold medicine meant for people is a bad idea. Most RI's are treated with injectable antibiotics, not something you can do without a vet.

If you can't afford the vet, you can't afford the pet. If you can't work out something with a vet, please find a turtle rescue organization or wildlife rehabber to give the turtle to so they can get it treatment. Sounds like your turtle needs a vet ASAP. Do not give drugs if you do not know what you are doing. You can kill it. There's a good chance your turtle will eventually die without injectable antibiotics from a vet. Also, you need to double check your set up and find out why your turtle got sick in the first place. My opinion (and many others) are that turtles are much more apt to get sick being kept inside in an aquarium than being in a natural outdoor pond set up. You have to be extra careful keeping them inside and then sometimes you will still have problems.
Good turtle care web site