Turtle health problem

Question
QUESTION: Dear Ms. Amanda,
  
    My name is Bernadette and I am a residence of U.A.E over the past few years. I've bought a turtle in one of the mall near my village. anyways, I can't distinguish whether its a male or a female but one of the pet store taker advice me its a male. well, I have noticed something is weird going on with him. he lifted his face and keep on opening his mouth every 3 seconds like he's suffocating or something. dont know what to do? I can't even find a reptile veterinarian here in Dubai. Please advice me. its going on right now. thank you.



ANSWER: Hi Bernadette,

Do you know what kind of turtle it is?

I can't say whether or not there is something wrong with him, but he could have a respiratory infection.  Is there any fluid coming out of his nose?  Bubbles?  Does he make a wheezing noise (if he doesn't bite hold him up to your ear and listen to him breathing)?  If so, he has a respiratory infection and needs to be treated.  Ask a regular vet if they can treat him (regular vets here are capable of treating turtles... they learn about turtles in medical school and have access to information when they need it for example books or by calling other vets they know).

If no regular vet can see him, please write me again with more information ie. what kind of turtle he is, and what other symptoms he has.  Is he eating?  What do his eyes look like?  His shell?  Etc...

Thanks,
Amanda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Ms. Amanda,

    Thank you for your prompt response, honestly your information gave me another hope with my turtle. thanks to this service offered online. anyways I think my turtle is a red ear turtle because I search on the net and I found some images that looks similar with him. I would like to send you some pictures of him. but I cant find any option for attachment here. please advice me how I'll send it.

   Some more observation with regards to your question if his taking out any fluid? I dont notice that but once I'll be back home I'll go and check and keep you posted. Bubbles? Yes, he takes out bubbles during that time? and Wheezing noise? Yes, I heard that and I thought he's asking for some food. but he doesn't eat at all. he look so weak and he's staying deep down the water now like tilted. I would also like to know who I will contact here in Dubai. because I tried to search online but only animal vets are available. Thank you


Awaiting for your reply,

Bernadette Alcala  

Answer
Bernadette,

Animal vets are fine, please take your turtle to an animal vet as soon as you can.  He has an infection and it needs to be treated very soon.  ANY vet is fine.... tell them he may have a "respiratory infection" but I'm sure they would recognize one anyway.

Until you can get him to a vet, keep him warm - let him bask under a heat lamp, but make sure he isn't getting too hot (if he is too sick he won't be able to move away).

-Amanda