The red-eared turtle takes its rightful place in the home aquarium. The reptile is unpretentious in care and nutrition. However, your pet may suddenly become ill. It is important not only to detect the primary symptoms, but also to know the rules of treatment. This will provide first aid and ease the painful condition.
The main signs of disease
Sudden apathy, lack of appetite, decreased activity, noticeable softening, deformation, changes in the shape of the bones of the shell, covering the skin with a whitish coating are alarming symptoms that must be paid attention to first. Also, the long stay of the pet on the surface of the water may indicate the disease. If you observe such signs for several days, then you should consult a herpetologist. Additionally, make every effort to ensure your recovery at home.
Eye and Skin Treatment
If you notice redness or swelling of the mucous membranes of the eyes, urgently transplant the red-eared turtle from other inhabitants of the aquarium. Thoroughly clean the aquarium and change the water. Include vitamin A and specialty foods in your daily menu. It is considered effective to rinse the eyes with a solution of boric acid diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 1. Get an antibiotic cream from your veterinarian and lubricate the mucous membrane twice a day.
Typically, skin diseases in the red-eared turtle are caused by the spread of bacteria such as Candida ablicans and Beneckea chitinivora. Ulcers must be treated in the morning and in the evening with levovinisole, vinyline or natural sea buckthorn oil. Purchase a syringe and inject chloramphenicol intramuscularly to your pet at the rate of 70 mg per 1 kg of total weight. When determining the body weight of your turtle, be sure to subtract the shell weight.
Carapace and pneumonia treatment
Rickets (softening of the bones) affects many reptiles. The cause of the disease is a lack of ultraviolet radiation, which affects the general condition of the pet. Provide direct sunlight for your turtle or add additional lighting to your aquarium. In severe cases, calcium gluconate injections should be initiated.
Hypothermia can lead to pneumonia, from which the red-eared turtle can die. Be sure to monitor the temperature of the water in the aquarium (+27 degrees) during the period of illness. Injections with Baytril, Furosimide and Catosal preparations will allow the immune system to recover quickly and relieve the inflammatory process.
