Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello. I have a 7 year old red ear slider. He's been lethargic for days, although still eating. I do take him out of his tank to feed him and he perks right up and eats.

Aside from then, he just lies there motionless.

I took him to the vet today and was diagnosed with Anemia with no tests but because the inside of his mouth is white and his legs and underneath his neck were swollen.

They removed the fluid build up underneath his neck and received a Subcutaneous Fluids with Vitamin B and Antibiotic (Baytril)injections.

It's my fault he is ill. He refuses to eat any greens, so I just wouldn't give him any but pellets, worms and shrimp.

I refuse to believe he will not recover because he will. He has to.

Please, my Mr. Furly needs help. I desperately need advice.

Only positive things please. I can't bear to hear anything negative. : (

Does ANYONE have a recovered anemic turtle?

I have him in a shallow glass bowl with enough water to cover him with his nose out of the water. I also the glass bowl over a heating pad to keep the water warm. He has his UVA/UVB and heat lamp. I bought him some Water Fern and blood worms. I hand fed him a little bit. He IS still eating once a day, so that is a good sign. As long as he keeps his strength up, he'll slowly recover. Aside from his swollen (although no longer) neck, he looks really good. No discoloration.

Many thanks in advance,

Roxanna ( a very worried mom)

Sorry hear about this!!

Is your vet a good herp vet? How come no blood was taken?

I hope he gets well. Just keep up on those doctor visits and their instructions. Maybe even get a second opinion. I know what it's like to have a sick herp! My collared was sick for months and I spent hundreds if not thousands with multiple vets including driving out to Cornell University with specialists there. It will be worth it in the end when your turtle is happy and healthy again. I'll pray for him!