Urgent Care :: My turtle has not eaten in 5 months.

[HylianSoul]

I've answered the basic questions at the bottom, but first let me give a description:

Let me start by saying, my turtle Atlas is fed in a separate container and is fed a controlled amount.

I bought my turtle Atlas from a chain pet store (a very bad idea for those who don't already know) in July of 2012. At first everything seemed fine. He was very happy and enjoyed his new life. He ate on the second day being home and ate every other day from then on. Then, on August 15th (I remember because of an emergency that day) he just stopped eating. I kept up his regular feedings even though he wasn't eating and after about a week I brought him to the vet.

The vet weighed and measured him, and analyzed his stool sample. We found out he had worms and his mouth was rather pale. He was given a dewormer and some antibiotics, and I learned to administer them. After a month, he still hadn't eaten and he was brought back to the vet for his follow up. I got another 4 weeks of shots for him and administered them. I was also instructed to dry dock Atlas at this time.

Fast forward to now. January 28th. Atlas is still dry docked and Atlas has not eaten a thing. The vet is suggesting that I force feed him to ensure he is getting nutrients. The inside of his mouth is more pink in color which is a good sign, but it baffles me that he could go this long with out eating.

How is it possible he hasn't eaten? Can I take him off dry dock?
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How big is your turtle? ~3 inches long
How long have you had it? Since July 15 2012

What is the water temperature? Atlas is currently dry-docked
Did you use a thermometer? Yes
Are you using a water heater? I was
How much water is in there? Atlas is currently dry-docked
Are you using a water conditioner? I was
Are you using any filtration? I was

What is the basking temperature? ~88 - 90 F
Is there a basking light? Yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? Yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? Stone
Is there a UVB light? Yes

What have you been trying to feed it? Pellets, crickets, romaine lettuce, shrimp.
When was the last time your turtle ate? 5 months ago. On August 15th.

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 20 long
Is the tank near a window? No
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? Moderate activity.

Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes.
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? Yes. Can't find anything with a similar length.

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? He was diagnosed by the vet with worms. He was given antibiotic shots and dewormer. This was after he hadn't eaten for 1 week

[VeipaCray]

When you feed him in a separate container, that container has water correct? Are you leaving him alone to eat? Some turts are shy about eating esp in a new environment.

Is he still getting heat and UVB in his dry dock environment? Does he have some shade or a place to hide to regulate temp?

Try adding some juice from a can of tuna to whatever pellet(s) you're trying to feed. What pellets are you trying to feed?

Is the vet you've been going to a herp vet? If not, I would suggest you find a herp vet and switch.

As for taking him off dry dock, I would ask that question of the vet. We can give advice here but since your vet has diagnosed and prescribed meds and shots... I would ask the vet.

Could you post any pics of him?

[HylianSoul]

Ah, seems I forgot a few things. The container does have water in it. Its the correct temp. too. My vet is a herp vet. I have feed him tuna, soaked his pellets, and still nothing. He still has both the heat lamp and the uvb lamp as we'll as a small "cave" to hide in. I've tried leaving him alone, tried staring at him, blowing on the pellets to make them move. One time I even tried to drop them from way high up so they splashed.

Its so weird, because he still poops every now and then... I don't get it. I'd probably think it was more interesting if I wasn't worried I'd fund him dead one day.

I'll get some pictures up in the morning.

[steve]

After the followup, has he been cleared of worms? How soon until he can go back into his tank? Where there any x-rays taken? Does your tank have gravel or small rocks? Do you leave the pellets in there or do you scoop it out? Is the vet a younger person or older? Have you tried any live prey?

[LoE]

I think a soak in the pedialyte solution might help. I think it sustained Ernie.....she just started eating after 8 months!! She ate rocks.