This is very strang he is about an inch or an inch and a half long. I have no clue what the problem is, maybe he has an air bubble in his shell. He tries to swim down and can't. If anyone knows what is going on or how it could be fixed that would be great.
2007-11-19 09:26:30 · 1 answers · asked by ntwilkes 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Another name for swimming crooked is listing. This is when one side of the turtle is lower than the other while swimming. This is because there is fluid in one of the lungs, moreso in one than the other, or there is fluid in only one of the lungs. This is usually, although not always, accompanied by one or more of the other listed symptoms of pneumonia.
If the turtle can't seem to submerge (usually with the front end trying to swim down but the back end keeps floating) there could be two possibilities. The first is a respiratory infection. The second is a gastrointestinal problem. Problems with the GI system are typical after a regimen of antibiotics. The medicines kill off too much of the gut flora and the turtle begins having difficulty in digesting food. This could be a minimal as the turtle releasing the gas or as severe as needing veterinary treatment. If the situation continues, a vet should be consulted.
Quarantine and raise all temps in the habitat by 5°. Consult a qualified vet as meds will be needed.
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/emergencies.htm
2007-11-19 10:58:15 · answer #1 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋