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Could my red-eared slider have worms?

22 16:47:39

Question
I have had a red-eared slider for about 3 years in an aquarium.  His name is "Van Gogh."  We notice him swimming erratically and wildly from time to time and usually ignore it, but we saw something unusual about 3-4 weeks ago.  We believe Van Gogh has a parasite; a leach, worms; or maybe just a bad infection.  After the wild swims, there is a large black object or organism that comes out of his rectum and hangs out for a while and slips back up in Van Gogh.  This black mass does not look like many little worms.  It is large and appears to be one big mass larger than the top of my thumb with no distinctive features.  I am afraid to touch my turtle for the risk of contracting some aweful germ that might make my family sick.  There are no veterinarians in or very near our town.  What can you tell me about Van Gogh's situation?  Thank you in advance for your enlightenment.

Answer
Here is a cut and paste from http:/www.redearslider.com- a great site for red-ears. Note especially the section marked with ***:

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Prolapse
The appearance of a turtle's intestinal, usually colon and/or reproductive organs, through the cloaca (the opening on the underside of the tail) is a prolapse. Ingested gravel or some other impaction may cause this situation but may not necessarily be a factor.

If the male merely exposes his reproductive organ, then it's referred as "fanning" and is not a prolapse.  ***In any case, the organs usually return to their normal position and there should be no cause of concern.***

If the organs cannot retract, then that turtle should be isolated immediately. Soaking a turtle in clean, warm water might help correct the situation. However, if it does not or if the organ(s) has been bitten, injured or scratched by another turtle, then a vet visit is immediately required. The area must kept clean and wet until proper medical attention is given.

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You are describing this condition perfectly.

Good luck!