Red Eared Slider on Antibiotics

Question
Hello,
My 3 inch red eared slider came down with a respiratory infection approx. a week ago.  I took him/her to the vet and they gave it an injection of Fortaz.  They also gave me 4 more doses to inject every 3 days.  The turtle received its 2nd shot yesterday but is still showing no sign of recovery.  Will it take more time or should I take the turtle back to the vet?  Thank you.

Answer
1. It takes time in turtles.

2. If the habitat is not a good one for the turtle, the drugs will not help.

3. Fortaz is an anti-biotic and the infection is a viral infection- the injection will not treat the actual infection but will help prevent secondary infections.

A quick review of the basic cares would include:
- 10 gallons of heated, filtered water per inch of turtle (yours would need 30 gallons of water.) Heat to 75-80.
- Lighting that includes UV- reptile lights are the easiest.
- Good basking sites heated to about 90
- A diet based on a high-quality pelleted food supplemented with things like small live fish, shrimps, worms, etc.

A couple good sites would include:
http://www.redearslider.com
http://www.austinsturtlepage.com