one sick red eared slider

Question
We have two sliders, got them at the same time, and one won't eat, is smaller, and simply floats on a rock and refuses to move or react.  He's not only breathing through the mouth, so I don't think it's a respiratory infection,but we don't know what to do. There are no herp vets as we live in a rural state with no civilization nearby.  There is good lighting in the tank, as well as good temp, but one is ill, anything I can do?

Answer
It sounds like pneumonia from the little description of the symptoms. Pneumonia, sadly, is a viral infection that can be tough to treat, even with a vet's care.

The general plan is...

1. Separate it from the other so it dies not cross-infect it. Be sure the new home allows good conditions, which we will discuss in point 5.

2. Boost water temps in the sick tank to 80-85F, and make sure the water stays clean- usually with a strong filter.

3. Minimize stress by not handling the turtle, no loud noises/vibrations, lights, etc.

4. Prevent/treat secondary infections with an antibiotic treatment- either a 'turtle sulfa dip' or the fish medicine 'Stress Coat', but not both.

5. Offer both turtles a good quality habitat. This includes...
- Good water, at least 10 gallons of water per inch of shell, warmed to 75-80F, and kept very clean with a large filter.
- Good sun, a basking site that is easy to climb on, they can get dry on, and should be something other than rock. The site should be heated to 90F, and lit nicely.
- Good food, a mix of about 1/2 good pellets, and 1/2 live or frozen/thawed 'fish foods' like worms, shrimp, krill, small fish, beef heart, etc. When the turtle is over about 4" long, add some dark leafy greens or aquatic plants.

Try http://www.austinsturtlepage.com and http://www.turtleforum.com for details.