Possible Problems?

Question
QUESTION: It's Justin again. My turtle is behaving strangely. In his temporary bowl (his tank fell and broke) his been jumping up from the bottom and out of the water snapping at the air. And then he will do a big yawn after. Is that just something the turtle's personality makes him do or could it be a possible problem?

ANSWER: Hey Justin,

Other than maybe he's on the aggressive side he could have a cold which if not treated can turn to pneumonia quickly. What happens is mucus is clogging his nostrils causing him to breathe through his mouth (hence the gasping you see). The yawning temporarily help clear the nostrils. Be sure that his water is between 75-85 degrees. If you notice bubbles in his nose he most likely has a cold. If you can't get him to a vet you can get antibiotics from a fish store. These antibiotics are used to treat fish illnesses and could also be used for turtles. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle.

If you can though, bring him to a vet.

Nate
http://www.petshoptalk.com

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QUESTION: I think he may be sick. I thought bacause he bit me it was aggressiveness but i saw the mucus come out of his nose. I hav no close enough access to me and if i cant get those antibiotics , is there any other alternative to curing him?

ANSWER: Hey again Justin,

I myself have been able to purchase aquatic antibiotics from ebay. Let me know how everything goes.

Nate
http://www.petshoptalk.com

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QUESTION: I got this item from the pet store. I don't know if it will help with the turtle's cold. Its called ReptoGuard from TetraFauna. Do you know if this will help or not?

Answer
Hi Justin,

Reptoguard will not work because that is only a prevention against some types of bacteria. Try this link I have used them before. http://cgi.ebay.com/EATON-AMOXICILLIN-FISH-ANTIBIOTICS-MEDS-12CAP-BOTTLE_W0QQite


Take care of it soon before it gets to the point of no return. Let me know how it goes.

Nate
http://www.petshoptalk.com