Found sick RES!

[m1ssc0ntrary]

My daughter found a Red Eared Slider while we were at the creek the other day. It's about 2 inches long, so I'm not sure what the age would be. When she showed it to me, it had dried dirt all over it, so first thing I assumed was it was dead because it looked like it hadn't had water in quite a while. I touched it and to my surprise it moved! I got some creek water and splashed it on it, and decided to take it home and put it in one of my empty tanks and put some water from the creek to see if I could nurse it back to health. The turtle has quite a few problems though, and since I don't know anything about turtles, I thought I'd get some advice.
Okay the first thing I noticed is that it's right eye is constantly closed, and it's neck is bent to the left. The eye that is closed is facing outward. It's head was in the shell when we found it, but now it is out and it hasn't went back in since. Second thing, it only swims in counterclockwise circles. And the third is that it won't open it's mouth for anything! I got some turtle pellets but it doesn't seem interested in them at all. I know that turtles might not eat for a few days after being introduced to a new environment, but I was hoping to get it some nutrients to hopefully boost it's immune system.
If anyone knows what I could do to help the little thing, I would really appreciate it! I would love to take it to an exotic vet, but because we live in rural Oklahoma, the nearest vet that will treat turtles is about 5 hrs away
Thanks for the help!

 

[christinaland128]

He sounds like he was born abnormal. If he's not moving or swimming properly, I would keep the water level low and make sure there are some spots in the tank he can climb onto. If he can.

If you can get your hands on baby crickets at the pet store, they love those. But if he's having trouble moving you'll have to dangle it.

Poor guy. Hope he recovers.

 

[diamondbp]

Keep the water warm and shallow. It's eye is probably dehydrated and it's neck muscles will take some time before they allow the neck to straiten out. Sometimes swimming in circles indicates blindness in one eye but that two would balance out with time.
Don't freak out about the not feeding yet. Baby turtles go a long time without eating in most cases. The dirt on it indicates it must have recently emerged from the nest cavity and simply hasn't reached a water source.
If you don't see a marked improvement in a week then it may be to late to recover. I hate to say it but I vet can't do very much for a hatchling. As long as it is kept in 2-3 inches of water with a few spots to climb on, gets some sunshine , and is offered food, it should recover. I'm old school and prefer Reptomin for feeding my aquatic turtles.

Good luck

 

[Skymall007]

Try to pick up a UV light and make sure he has a basking spot that is completely dry. I am glad you found this little guy. Mine loved dry shrimp when I had them. I had RES a long time ago and so I worry that the things I know are old news now. A trick with RES is to get a filter that is for twice the size of the tank they are in because they tend to be messy, but it sounds like he isn't messy yet since he is having some difficulties. I agree that the water level should stay low for him.

Also, it doesn't hurt to call the vet and see if you can ask some questions. My vet has techs answer the phone and they are always willing to give advice. My vet is not in the same state, but I am sure they wouldn't mind if you called.

http://www.swanimalhospital.net/ This is the page for their hours. 503-643-2137 This is their number. The vet techs are super helpful. My vet's name is Dr. Mark Burgess. He works extensively with reptiles.

I hope this helps. Let us know how this little guy does =)

 

[m1ssc0ntrary]

I have about an inch of water in there now. I started with about three inches, but after seeing how hard it was for him to swim, I took some water out. I've yet to get a thermometer for the tank or a UV light but I'll go do that tomorrow. I've got lots of stuff in there for him to climb on, but most of the time I have to help him onto them cause he has such a hard time :/ I really hope it recovers, my daughter has completely fell in love with him! Lol.
Thanks for the info Skymall! I'll give the vet's office a call tomorrow and see what they say.
I'll let you all know how it goes from here!
Thanks everyone

 

[ascott]

I worry that the things I know are old news now.

Pretty much the same turtle....then and now...so if you have good care info then...likely just as good now

These are a durable sort....I would take the great info offered to you and give the turtle some time....you can also try some small nightcrawlers or blood worms (live, so they have some wiggle) and see if the turtle will show some interest....you may need to use some long tongs so your hand does not deflect the turtles interest from the goodie....

 

[Skymall007]

I worry that the things I know are old news now.

Pretty much the same turtle....then and now...so if you have good care info then...likely just as good now

These are a durable sort....I would take the great info offered to you and give the turtle some time....you can also try some small nightcrawlers or blood worms (live, so they have some wiggle) and see if the turtle will show some interest....you may need to use some long tongs so your hand does not deflect the turtles interest from the goodie....

I had a sick RES (didn't make it) but her shell seemed too soft. I read back then (early 2000s) that a warm salt water bath could help kill bacteria. I didn't let her swim in it, I made sure that her head was out of the water by sticking her on my hand. Then I gently rubbed the warm salt water over her shell. I don't know how much it helped her physically (though I think it did help) but she really loved those warm baths.

 

[ascott]

I would hesitate on salt water bath....but that is just me I don't think the description of the turtle warrants a salt water bath just yet ....now, don't get me wrong...there is a time and place for the salt water treatment....but I believe the little one is in more need of calm, hydration and protein