Why is my red eared slider neck swollen?
The swelling is caused by exudates/pus that forms within the ear canal pushing on the skin. When turtles live in water without an appropriate water filter, urine, feces, leftover food, bacteria, and fungal organisms cause severe irritation to the skin.
How do you treat a swollen red eared slider?
Put an ultraviolet-B emitting bulb, such as a Zoomed Reptisun 5.0 or a Powersun, over the enclosure and make sure it is on for at least 8 hrs a day. Feed a good quality pellet designed for aquatic turtles and insects (pieces of earthworms).
Why does my turtle have a big neck?
It’s normal. I’ve heard it said that they do this when they are sniffing air. My turtle does it when he’s in the water and I’m about to feed him. He sticks his head out of the water as far as it will go and inflates his neck like a ballon.
Why does my turtle look swollen?
In turtles, most respiratory tract infections are caused by bacteria and are often secondary to vitamin A deficiency. Abscesses often develop in turtles’ ears, and they appear as large swellings on the sides of the head, just behind the eyes. Abscesses in turtles are often related to vitamin A deficiency.
How can I tell if my turtle is dying?
Perhaps the simplest way to determine whether a turtle is dead or is alive is to gently poke or prod him. Most living turtles will move, close their shells, or hiss in response to being disturbed.
How do you give a turtle vitamin A?
Generally, young turtles require more insects and animal proteins to support growth and development. Omnivores turtles also need chopped vegetable salads that are rich in Vitamin A, such as winter squash, sweet potatoes, red peppers, and parsnips. These veggies can be added to dark leafy greens for a good balance.
Why is my turtle sticking his neck out?
They suggest that since the head was only partially retracted, this mechanism primarily evolved to enable the fast forward projection of the head, therefore improving the ability to capture darting prey.
What does it mean when a turtle stretches?
A: Turtles are cold-blooded animals, so they cannot control their body temperature internally. The only way they have to raise their body temperature is to bask to absorb warmth and vital UV rays. While heat is radiated to their bodies from their shells, they often stretch out their legs to collect additional heat.
Why is my turtle scratching his neck?
chlorine/chloramines can irritate skin and eyes. Aside from an irritation, I would also guess an injury might cause your slider to scratch his neck. Low water levels would lead to a higher instance of injuries. The area that is scratched – does it look raw, discolored or flaking alot of skin?
Is my red-eared slider turtle dying?
If a turtle is very sick or dying, you may see a runny fluid or discharge coming from their nose or eyes. Discharge from the eyes or ears that has a thick, pus-like appearance, accompanied by swollen eyelids or ears, is often a sign of vitamin A deficiency.
What causes a turtle’s eyes to be swollen?
A simple X-ray may be required to provide conclusive information. Various types of injury or infection can cause a turtle’s eyes to be closed or swollen. Dehydration, ear abscesses, chlorine/chloramines, scratches, bacterial infection, trauma, poor water conditions and poor nutrition are readily causes.
What kind of ear infection does a turtle have?
Since it can be difficult to look into a reluctant turtle’s mouth, a visit to the appropriate vet is recommended to get the correct treatment. A common condition that turtle keepers face is an ear abscess. It is an ear infection that is easily noticeable in the form of a lump on either one or both sides of the head.
What should I do if my redearslider turtle is sore?
If there is soreness, keep the area dry and apply Nolvasan cream or Neosporin and dry dock the turtle afterwards. If the area is still raw after a few days, a visit to the vet will be necessary to clean any wounds appropriately and to check for further infection.
What kind of condition does a turtle keeper have?
A common condition that turtle keepers face is an ear abscess. It is an ear infection that is easily noticeable in the form of a lump on either one or both sides of the head. It may appear to be swelling or inflamed due to bacteria developing either from poor habitat conditions, previous respiratory ailment, injury,…