Injured Turtle :(

[KoopaTroopa16]

I was camping in NH and went for a routine canoe ride, which is when I would often catch some bullfrogs and painted turtles. I caught 4 or 5 turtles and 10 or so frogs, but left them unattended in the canoe. I've been taking care of turtles for years and it's kind of second nature, but some of them were young and nearly silver dollar-sized. One got under a rail in my canoe and got crushed a little bit. I nearly cried because I was frightened it might be hurt.

At first it was gasping in what I imagined was terrible agony, but once I set it aside in its own container and let it recuperate for awhile it calmed down. I watched it for a few hours, only using its hind legs, but using it's front here and there. I thought its neck was broken but then it started to straighten out and peer around. Since then it's been up and about, but there's an obvious indent in its shell. Not quite a crack, but a small crease to the left of its spinal ridge.

Because it's so young I don't think a vet or rehabilitation center will be able to do. I assume I can only let nature take its course and I certainly don't want to jump to euthanasia. Could anyone respond with some help?

I'll take pictures if necessary. I named it Koopa Troopa; seems like a real fighter.

 

[Jentortmom]

I would think a vet would be able to work on any sized tort/turtle. I have taken in a tiny sulcata - the only thing he couldn't do was take blood. If you can post pictures that would help us to see the injury. You need to keep him warm and quiet until we can try to figure out what is wrong.
May I ask what you were planning on doing with the turtles you captured??

 

[purpod]

Hiya Koopa Troopa ~

I would have to agree with Jen in that a vet who specializes in reptiles should be able to check on this lil guy ~

I wish you well,
Purpod

 

[KoopaTroopa16]

I usually catch a few every summer and show them to the younger kids around the camp. I never use nets or gigs, I prefer my hands, so as not to injure any creature in the process (save myself a few times). In the late afternoon I set them free on the beach, in a race-to-the-shore sort of fashion. They get a kick out of it and I'm careful not to harm any turtles in the process. We usually have turtle food on hand, if not, bread and/or lettuce.

Very rarely do we take any home as pets. But I have a 150gal aquarium for fully-grown painted turtles and a 10gal for younger ones. My mother is kind of a fanatic and we're adamant about the best care we can deliver. They have built perches for basking under the sun lamp, with a rock and sand bottom. The tanks are filtered and clean at all times.

At first I wanted to just let this little guy go, but his near catatonic state worried me. He would have been a prime selection for any predators in the area. And I certainly did not have it in me to euthanize it right then and there, nor did I have the means. So I kept it isolated in a quiet area and hoped for the best. Now I'm home, l observing him every few hours. It's been a 100-times more active since yesterday afternoon.

Anyway, here are some pictures. I have to call some local vets.

 

[purpod]

Hiya again, KT ~

He sure is a lil' cutie; looking forward to what the vets may have to say!

Purpod

 

[KoopaTroopa16]

I talked to a few vet offices recently. None in my area seem to have a reptile specialist on duty. Most are on vacation, or their office is too small to afford one. The only place I did find is kind of far and unfortunately won't even offer any consultation over the phone. I love the work vets due but sometimes I can't stand how they handle things.

Fortunately, Koopa seems to be doing fine. He has an appetite and looks very playful. His shell looks better than it has in the last few days. I guess only time will tell for now. I hope it didn't dramatically affect his growth. If his condition worsens I'll have no choice but to make the trip but for now things are okay. He's tough.

Advice is always welcome.

(Also, I need to learn how to identify the sex of a painted turtle. Wouldn't want to call a he, a she, and vice versa.

 

[wayne.bob]

the turtle you have is probably a little young to tell the sex right now.