Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone, I recently purchased a trio of RT's from a local reptile only store with a good reputation. Obvious imports, but otherwise healthy.
Two are doing great. My LG Female is not so great... We have noticed some symptoms but not yet gone to the vet $$$ what can I say.
She rubs her eyes alot, clear but recessed. eys closed ALOT
she eats/voids with seemingly no complications.
energy is on or off... she will move for sudden bursts then just takes a breather
she is 343 grams 11.2 cm in length

I read some posts about importers medicating the fems for egg production could this be a side effect from such actions?
if so what should we boost her with for recovery?

Thanks for your help
KEN

Dear Ken, it sounds like the female is "depressed", and I would stress soaking her and making darn sure she is hydrated. But it may be more serious, and hexamita and other maladies are said to be common in imports, so you may want to take in a fresh fecal sample to a vet/parasitologist, and get her back to health.

She seems way to small to me to be subjected to egg laying, but you never know. I don't expect egg laying out of my captives until they are much larger/heavier than you indicate. Good luck, I really hope you can find a solution, they are really fun when they get established and well worth the cost/effort. Vic H.

My male russian suffered a bit with post-hibernation recently. His symptoms were lethargy, difficulty opening his mouth and couldnt feed, and some wheezing. I immediately warmed him up, soaked him in luke warm water a couple of times a week, and gave him a warmer than usual basking spot. It took a couple of weeks for him to get back into the groove from what I thought might be a hopeless situation. I am not advocating NOT taking him to the vet, but those are a few things you can try. My male is back outside, feeding like a fiend, and trying like crazy to breed my female. Keep it warm, give it a good basking spot, and soak it in warmish water. DEFINITELY make sure it cannot get cooled after soaking!!!