Yellow bellied turtle

Question
My turtle has like skin stuff coming off it's neck but can only see it when he is underwater and he sometimes has bubbles on corners of his mouth and puts his head on the platform and closes his eyes and he also swims on a tilt what can and should I do thanks rob

Answer
Hi Rob,

Lopsided swimming is a sign of a respiratory infection/pneumonia.  Your turtle needs to see a good herp vet for treatment.  This isn't something that can be treated at home because most likely it will require antibiotics.  In the meantime, raise the basking temperature a couple of degrees (no higher than 90) so he can warm himself up well.

I would also review your care to make sure everything is set up correctly.  Proper basking temps, good water quality and adequate filtration, good UVB, and a good, varied diet are all important for health.  Here's a couple of good links with care information:

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-yellowbelly.htm
http://tortoise.org/general/watcare.html

I hope your turtle recovers quickly--good luck!