Urgent Care :: My turtle is swollen!! Help:(

[Zova Dot]

So my turtle has been looking pretty funny. One of them (named Melon) seemed to have a swollen neck. Well, it's not really on the neck but it's mostly the inside that looks like it's bulging out! At first, this symptom, and also his often lack of energy, made me think that maybe I'm overfeeding him? But I didn't think so because I used to feed them a lot more (i have two turtles). So why does it seem so bloated? Even when I have fed them yet? Everything else seems normal however, basking, swimming, eating, and other turtle behavior. Also, melon and kiwi both are around 4" long , a little smaller than my palm.

Please help! (:

Ps I'll post pictures later!

[xfallwithmexo]

what are you feeding him?

[Love of Animals]

Bloating can mean they're being over fed or it can be something going on internally. Without pictures I can only recommend a vet visit ASAP.

[Linus]

Sounds like an Abscess.

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/medeyes.htm

^Second one down.

[Zova Dot]

I feed both my turtles greens like every other day, and pellets like 2/3 times a week. Maybe every two weeks (or every week) i feed them shrimp treats. They both live in the same cage. And i only feed by the rule of using their head as a measurement or "as much as they can consume in a couple of minutes"

And I don't think it's overfeeding, I watch them eat, and, if anything, Melon (the one thats swollen) eats a little (SLIGHTLY) less than the other. And both are close in age.

What other symptoms should I watch for?

And for the pic.. my computers being dumb sooo i hope you stay posted. (:

[Zova Dot]

and if my turtle is about 4", I'm afraid it might be illegal, so if i take it to a vet, will they take my turtle away?
Haha don't mean to sound like that, but I'm being serious!

[Diamondbacks4Life]

A pic would really help, either your turtle is just a little over weight or he has a very bad infection going through his entire body which would cause almost all his body to swell up including legs. DId this happen really fast or over a period of time. IF you answer just slow and legs are fine its probably just been overfed

As for 4inches. You are not allowed to sell turtles under 4inches, but owning one under 4 inches is perfectly legal.

[Zova Dot]

Thanks so much! And I don't really know how long the swelling developed because sometimes my turtles can contract and wierd stuff like that for no reason so it's hard to tell when it got serious..

But yeah, I bought the turtles like 2 years ago when they were around 2 and a half inches. Even though I realized it was illegal afterwards when I was researching, I figured if I kept it in good health it wouldn't be a problem.. Until now!!


ALSO, Melon, who is still swollen, but not on the legs, it's in the body, seems to not be able to sleep well. He sleeps with his eyes open. Is that good?

[steve]

Pictures would really help... at the very least we can tell you if the turtle appears to be overweight.

[mollyp123]

I have a turtle who is also swollen around his neck and his feet! He has no energy and I'm very concerned. I know it's a turtle bug it's a living creature and I've had it for 7 years. What can I do for it???

[steve]

Sounds like a trip to the vet ASAP. Could be a weight issue but lethargy is a very serious symptom.