2 replies to this topic

[mike138]

So I went the the Pomona Reptile expo in CA this past weekend and picked up a southern painted hatchling and northern dbt hatchling.  I had a tank running for over a month before picking these guys up with filter, heater, basking lamp, uvb lamp, dock, driftwood, and plants.  I have kept turtles before so I had mos of the equipment.

Here is the thing, after bringing them straight home I noticed that my SP was making bubbles underwater.  He also stayed on the platform day and night.  BUT was feeding ok.  I turned temps up in case he has a respiratory infection.  Basking 90F water 85F.  Its been a week now and the turtle is still eating but I did see it cough once.  He also started entering the water occasionally since temps went up.  He doesn't appear to swim lopsided and even swam straight down to the bottom once (30 gallon).

The dbt is active and healthy but rarely basks.  I for some reason didn't think about contagion and just today moved my dbt into a large bowl with cardboard cover to keep air temp at 75F  He has basking light but no uvb for now.  He has driftwood to haul out on and some plants.  He hasn't shown any symptoms of a respiratory infection and is a hardy eater. The bowl also has a small heater keeping the water at 80F.  I know that dbt need good water quality but can he stay here for at least another week till I see the prognosis of the painted?  I can change water out everyday or every other and feed in separate container to keep ammonia down.  Will this be enough to prevent any fungal infections?

I figured the home tank may already have the virus so I left the painted in there, plus he seems more comfortable there.

If anyone has any advice I would really apprecaite it!!!  I want these guys to be with me for a long time.

I know the best thing to do is see a vet for antibiotics but i just started school this week and needed to pay for books and tuition so my funds a limited at the moment.

[CHELID]

anytime you (or anyone) mentions R.I. we are going to tell you to go to a qualified herp vet. this stuff will not go away without antibiotics. sorry.

separate all turtles because R.I. is contagious and fatal. this wonderful hobby is expensive and I to am starting class this week so I feel your pain.

good luck!

[mike138]

Thank you for responding!  I also posted on turtle forum and got a quick reply.  I have done more research since then and yes antibiotics are my only option.  My friend kept turtles when we were little kids and I remember his turtle would make the strangest sounds, now I know that the turtle was coughing and having trouble breathing!  I never had this problem with my first turtles because I was older and had the right enclosure. But it turned out that his turtle lived another 3 years.  He did get a light and rock to bask on and it somehow survived!  It is unethical to suggest that a turtle with RI has a chance of surviving without antibiotics, but I don't think it is impossible.  My turtle seems to be doing better, but only time will tell.  I don't see him getting any worse.  His symptoms are limited to heavy breathing and basking 24/7.  I guess I'm just holding on to that little bit of hope.  Or until I get my bills paid and have extra cash for vet/meds.  I hope he holds out that long