Urgent Care

OK, I was cleaning her tank and had her in a container on my bed. It was covered with my ATBA, but she somehow managed to slip out. I wasn't in the room when she fell, so I don't know how she landed or anything like that. With the help of my parents we finally found her huddled near my laptop charger. She wasn't out long, only about 20 minutes, but I'm a bit worried because it was about a 2.5 foot drop onto a wood floor. She seems OK, but I don't know if she may have an injury that may show signs later on. Her shell is OK, no cracks or anything, her limbs are working normally and I see no blood or anything. I know turtles are pretty tough, but I'm still a bit concerned. Thankfully it's the weekend so I can watch her closely.

Sorry if I'm being a bit paranoid or over-protective. Bubbles mean a lot to me and I feel horrible if I let something slip by.

How big is your turtle? 3.5/4 inches
How long have you had it? 6 months

What is the water temperature? 69 F My heater broke last night. I was installing a new one and decided to clean her tank while I was at it.
Did you use a thermometer? Yes
Are you using a water heater? Yes
How much water is in there? 10 gallons
Are you using a water conditioner? Yes
Are you using any filtration? Yes

What is the basking temperature? Around 85 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? Egg crate w/ plexiglass walls and reptile carpet over the floor. I use a suction-cup basking thingy as a ramp.
Is there a UVB light? Yes

What have you been trying to feed it? Reptomin, spinach, carrots, dandelion greens, occasional feeder fish (maybe once every two weeks)
When was the last time your turtle ate? This morning.

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 10 gallons. It's small, I know. I'll be getting a new tank soon.
Is the tank near a window? Yes, but the blinds are usually shut.
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? No

Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? No

Just watch for any concerning behavioral changes like odd swimming, lethargy, etc. As long as you don't see blood or she'll breaks, it should be okay.

I think you're good. She's probably not as heavy either at 4"

Ok, Bubbles has started to become really lethargic and hasn't eaten (she even ignored the spinach!). Yesterday she was swimming alright, but when I got home today she was lying on the bottom of the tank with her head/front legs tucked in and her back legs out. I caught her up on her basking area once, but as soon as she got into the water again she just sort of sank. I'm going to have my dad keep an eye on her tomorrow as he'll be at home, and if she hasn't improved I'll probably call the vet.

If it keeps up i would take her to the vet. Hopefully she gets better

Has she acted skittish before?

She was never skittish or anything. Just normal turtle behavior. She seems to be improving; when I walked in the room she swam up to greet me. So that's a good sign. I'm probably being a bit over-protective, but better to be safe than sorry I guess.

Always better safe than sorry. If the sitting on the bottom of the tank continues definitely take Bubbles to the vet. It might be a good idea anyway considering her tumble.

OK, sorry for the late update. Classes have been crazy. I called the vet and they told me to keep an eye on her and to take her in immediately if she didn't improve. Thankfully she perked up and is now more active and healthy then she has ever been! She's even been using the basking platform when I'm in the room!

Great to hear and good luck with your classes.

Urgent Care :: Turtle fell off bed. Signs to look for in terms of injuries?

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