Yellow Bellied Slider seems to be sick

Question
Our YBS has stopped eating and general activity. More often than not he either "sits" motionless in water or on his dock. He rarely eats in past 4 weeks. Today I noticed one eye seems to be shut, other is open, and there is white marking around his mouth. What can I do to get him back to health ASAP? Water gets changed regularly (he still "messes") and no sign of any other bacterial growth.

Answer
Hi SueK,

He needs to see a vet.  An exotic animal vet is best, but a regular vet is better than no vet.  He may need antibiotics, or even shots of electrolytes since he hasn't eaten.

There is something wrong with his environment, unfortunately, or he wouldn't be sick.

1) He needs a large tank with a good filter (I spent $200 on a canister filter and it was the best investment ever.... that thing keeps the water sparkling for a year!!!)  It isn't good to simply change the water, because it doesn't allow for a stable bacteria population.  Get a good filter, and don't change the water more often than necessary (get a simple water testing kit so you can check the ammonia levels) and even then, just rinse everything with plain water (ie. don't kill the bacteria with cleaner).

2) He needs a heat lamp and UV light (can be combined in a mercury vapor lamp... buy them online for a better deal).  Both of these are necessary to keep infections away.  Make sure that his dock is big enough that he can bask under the lamp, and away from the lamp if he needs to.

Feel free to write again if you have any more questions, I hope your turtle gets better soon!

-Amanda