How do red eared slider get respiratory infection?
Red-eared sliders and other aquatic turtles often develop respiratory infections as a combination of husbandry errors such as cold water, a basking site that isn’t warm enough, a poor diet, and lack of ultraviolet-B light.
How to treat red eared slider respiratory infection?
We were prescribed Baytril antibiotic drops, as many vets will not give injections to a turtle under 4 inches, because of difficulty with the dosing. The drops worked well for us, he was on them 10 days, but was still showing mild symptoms after the 10 days.
Can a red ear slider turtle breathe underwater?
In some cases the turtle may sink and struggle to get back to the surface of the water. The red-eared slider may extend its neck far forward and open its mouth as it gulps for air. Prescription antibiotics are necessary to treat these life threatening infections.
Why do red ear sliders float in water?
As the infection progresses and become pneumonia, the turtle may float oddly in the water, listing to one side or being unable to submerge. In some cases the turtle may sink and struggle to get back to the surface of the water. The red-eared slider may extend its neck far forward and open its mouth as it gulps for air.
Can a pet turtle get a respiratory infection?
Respiratory infections are very common in pet turtle species especially if they are exposed to cold environment. Like us, turtles also have lungs for breathing. So, if exposed to cold weather, they can catch cold and respiratory infection (RI).
Why do red eared sliders have breathing problems?
Bubbles & Breathing Problems in Aquatic Turtles. Red-eared sliders and other aquatic turtles often develop respiratory infections as a combination of husbandry errors such as cold water, a basking site that isn’t warm enough, a poor diet, and lack of ultraviolet-B light.
Can a red eared slider turtle go to the vet?
Unfortunately, both of my parents are completely set on the fact that there is no way that they are going to send the turtle to a herp vet, since they don’t want to pay for the antibiotics, etc. I personally really disagree to this. I know that he has a cold/ pneumonia.
Respiratory infections are very common in pet turtle species especially if they are exposed to cold environment. Like us, turtles also have lungs for breathing. So, if exposed to cold weather, they can catch cold and respiratory infection (RI).
Why is it illegal to buy baby red eared sliders?
Why Are Baby Red-Eared Sliders Illegal? The Food and Drug Administration outlawed the sale of all small turtles under four inches in size. This is because of the increased risk of a person contracting salmonella from these tiny reptiles.
Do red eared sliders breathe water?
Red eared sliders don’t need to breathe underwater like other aquatic creatures. They can absorb oxygen from the water through their skin. As red eared sliders are semi aquatic, they can also breathe oxygen from the air when they are above ground.
