So I took Shelldon to the vet recently with a clean bill of health. It has been a few weeks since then.
Today, everything was normal. I gave Shelldon her usual food (Green and Red Leaf Lettuce with some Carrots, and a pellet variety) and went off to work. This diet was also vet-approved.
I come home and I find the tank water to be very dirty. Poop was essentially everywhere. The stool did not look abnormal, so I figured Shelldon just had some poopies.
I did a full water change (It was near the next month anyway).
I put Shelldon back in, and she immediately poops. No problem there, she tends to do that after a water change, but after that, she has been acting odd the past couple of hours. She has been pulling her head and arms in and out and her cloaca opens at the same time. I think that A. She is trying to pass something and is failing or B. She is trying to lay an egg and holding it in since she is in water. I think it is more likely A. It is clear that at least air is coming out every time she makes a cloacal opening movement, since the remaining poopy bits that I could not remove atm are blowing around every time. I have found a carrot piece floating in the water as I have been checking back and forth. It was not in the tank before the clean, so it is possible she pooped that out, but she is still making the cloacal movements. It is difficult to determine what it is exactly she is trying to poop out.
Whether or not it is A or B, I do not know how I can help her. ATM, there is no vets on call, and though I can take her to an emergency place should the need arise, I do not know what to do.
What is the water temperature? 78 Degrees F
Did you use a thermometer? Yes
Are you using a water heater? Yes
How much water is in there? About 23.3 Gallons
Current Tank: 40 Gallon Tank Breeder
Tank Width: 17 In. W
Total Tank Depth: Around 17 In.H
Water Depth: 10 In. (Add 4 In. to Carapace Length)
Length: About 48 In L
Are you using a water conditioner? Yes
Are you using any filtration? Yes
What is the basking temperature? 88.2 Degrees 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? Oasis Turtle Ramp (Large)
Is there a UVB light? Yes
What have you been trying to feed it? Vegetables and Pellets
When was the last time your turtle ate? This afternoon
How big is the tank/pond/enclosure?
Is the tank near a window? No
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? Yes
Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? No