My turtle hasn't opened its mouth in days. Is it sick or injured?

Thanks for your question about Toby, and I am sorry that this is happening to the two of you. Reptiles are very good about hiding their illness for long periods of time, so it is possible that he has been sick for a longer time frame than just a few days. The majority of the problems that are present in reptiles are caused by suboptimal husbandry, so I would recommend looking at that closely and making adjustments as needed. This would include the areas of temperature, UV lighting, water quality, and diet. I am not sure of the availability of a veterinarian in your area, but an evaluation would be recommended. They can discuss the husbandry with you and make suggestions to help to make it perfect. They can also perform an examination and may recommend diagnostic testing, such as radiographs (x-rays) or blood work. I hope that gives you a place to start, and that Toby feels better soon.

Thanks for reaching out about your turtle. A wound to the eye and anorexia for several days is worrisome. A veterinary visit is needed to prescribe systemic and ophthalmic antibiotics, at the minimum. Keeping water quality good is very important also, to prevent infection through the damaged eye. Good luck.

He may have a respiratory infection. This is a serious illness if left untreated. Have Babliu examined by your veterinarian or a vet experineced in treating reptiles for confirmation. Treatment is usually antibiotics. In the meantime, increase the temperature in the tank by 5 to 10 degrees F to aid in recovery. Make sure he continues to eat.

I would recommend making sure your turtle is still eating and has access to a UV lamp to bask. If your turtle is not eating, not wanting to bask, and not swimming, then he is most likely ill. I would recommend taking him to see a veterinarian that is comfortable working with reptiles to be checked out.

Thank you for using Boop by Petco. Your turtle needs to see a reptile veterinarian ASAP. It may be suffering from malnutrition or have a respiratory infection or combination of both. It could be critically ill and likely needs injectable medications. Here is some more info on care. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Hi there and thank you for using Boop by Petco to address your concern. It is possible that she sustained trauma inside the mouth or beak. However, with any bleeding from the mouth, I always recommend having a thorough examination done by a veterinarian that sees exotic animals to ensure there is nothing more serious going on from the trauma. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

First, check the temperatures in his enclosure. Low temps can affect activity and appetite in reptiles. Next check for elevated humidity levels. Too much can predispose him to a respiratory infection. The symptoms reported may indicate an infection or a nutritional deficiency, maybe both. Ideally, he should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating tortoises. If he has a respiratory infection he will need prescription antibiotics. In the meantime, increase temps by a few degrees to aid in any recovery.Give him a good long soak (at least 30 minutes) in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte/DioraLyte.

Thanks for reaching out about your baby turtle and including photos. This turtle appears to be very ill and is need of seeing a veterinarian, as soon as possible. Check and correct water quality for temperature and water quality. Heat support should be warm. Good luck.

This could be the beginning of a respiratory infection. You'll need to monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, swimming crooked, blowing bubble from the nose/mouth, wheezing or popping while breathing and "gaping" (repeated opening and closing of the mouth). If you see any of these symptoms, have Squirtle physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. If an infection is diagnosed, he will need antibiotics. In the meantime, increase water temperature and ambient temperature by about 5 F. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. Make sure he continues to eat normally.

Hello, I’m sorry to hear of Babu’s injury. I am worried he may have sustained trauma to his face or jaw or even possibly internally. A jaw fracture would certainly make him not want to eat. I would recommend you have him seen by a veterinarian as he may need pin medication, antibiotics or even treatment of the wound or fracture, if present. Also, check out anapsid.org and read the red eared slider section under “chelonian.” This will give you some advice about proper nutrition and husbandry. Good luck!