Reptile & Amphibian Forums

HELP! Some friends of mine just found a painted turtle on the highway and brought it to me for help (I have a red earred slider). I know a bit about turtles - it's definately and eastern painted turtle, about 2-3 years old based upon the size and looks to be a female. I have no idea what she was doing on that stretch of highway - I can't think of any water that's nearby. Anyway, she's bleeding, and was apparently hit in her back end. The top of her shell suffered damage near her tail, but more concerning is the damage to her undershell. Yet her spine must be intact because she's moving her back legs and tail. I have her in a dimly lit quite place so she can recover from the trauma. But she needs water - I don't want to put her in a tank because of her wounds. I taped up her shell with duct tape and she made it through the night. I misted her with water this morning, avoiding her wounds. I also have another box in the big box I have her in that she can climb in to (sort of like a cave). PLEASE HELP with info and suggestions!!
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Mom to:

1 dachshund, 10 pussycats, 1 lovebird, 1 RES and whatever else wanders into the yard in need of care...

I would suggest taking it to a vet or some sort of wildlife center... It's hard to tell what type of damage has been done internally and the turtle stands a much better chance with someone who is experienced in this sort of thing.
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0.1.0 Colombian Red-tailed Boa (100% Het. for albino)
0.0.2 Western Hognose Snakes
0.2.1 Plains Garter Snakes
1.0.0 Red-sided Garter Snake
1.2.0 Barred Tiger Salamanders
0.0.1 Red-eared Slider
0.0.1 Common Snapping Turtle

Believe me, I'd love to. I tried one place about 40 min from here who supposedly treats wildlife and the person was clueless. The turtle has survived and I still have her in the makeshift waterless habitat. I've been misting her with water, avoiding her wounds. I just tried some canned crickets hoping to get her to think about eating.
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Mom to:

1 dachshund, 10 pussycats, 1 lovebird, 1 RES and whatever else wanders into the yard in need of care...

You cannot keep her completely out of the water for too long
or you will risk dehydration. I would at least soak her
and feed her in the water for 15 minutes a few times a day.
Try to find a vet that know about turtles and many times
they can repair their shells with some kind of epoxy. The
fact that she seems normal otherwise is a good sign. Make
sure the water in which you soak her is slightly warm and
very clean as there is the other risk of infection. Maybe
even put a little Betadine from any pharmacy into the water
until it starts to turn orange/yellow. This will help clean
the wounds too. Feed her before adding the Betadine. Turtles
cannot eat out of water

Good luck and try to find a vet that is experienced with
turtles.

Linda

This is a tricky injury but not impossible, so don't give up. Vets can use some type of adhesive so if you have the dough, go for it that way. Watch out, however, about putting anything too strong on its wounds as it could cause sepsis. Or in other words, the solutions can get into its bloodstream. I'd heard some types of iodine solutions can cause this.

Another thing is make sure she can't clamber and tumble around.

The reason you might've found it might be because some do lay their eggs later in the year. Either this or she's just moving to a new location.

This latter is just speculation.

It's too late. I lost her Wednesday night. I called everyone I knew (including zoos) and did everything I could. She was severely injured (both top and bottom of shell) and never totally stopped bleeding. I cried all night.
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Mom to:

1 dachshund, 10 pussycats, 1 lovebird, 1 RES and whatever else wanders into the yard in need of care...

I'm very sorry to hear that. You did the best you could and that is very admirable, most people wouldn't have even tried. There needs to be more people like you in the world.
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0.1.0 Colombian Red-tailed Boa (100% Het. for albino)
0.0.2 Western Hognose Snakes
0.2.1 Plains Garter Snakes
1.0.0 Red-sided Garter Snake
1.2.0 Barred Tiger Salamanders
0.0.1 Red-eared Slider
0.0.1 Common Snapping Turtle

What state or province are you in? Colorfulcritters suggested she might be out to lay eggs.... Here in Michigan, at least, midland and western painted lay eggs in late May through July.

Hope you find a knowledgeable vet....