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Lethargic and not eating

PostPosted: Tue Dec 03, 2019 8:48 am
by Xtina2233
Hi there,

I want to start by saying I did take my turtle to a vet yesterday and nothing was obviously wrong. She had a full physical exam and x-rays. The vet's advice was to take her home and monitor the situation, come back if she gets worse. Her vet is the best in the city with exotics but not exclusively an exotics specialist, so I'd love to get some input on what others may think is going on. Thanks!

How big is your turtle? About 11 inches
How long have you had it? 25 years

What is the water temperature? 22 C
Did you use a thermometer? yes
Are you using a water heater? yes
How much water is in there? 100+ gallons (large stock tank)
Are you using a water conditioner? Prime
Are you using any filtration? yes, large canister filter

What is the basking temperature? 30 C
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 covered in slate tile (except the ramp)
Is there a UVB light? Yes (replaced two days ago)

What have you been trying to feed it? Reptomin sticks, freeze dried shrimp, fruit, lettuce
When was the last time your turtle ate? about 4 days ago

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 150 gallon
Is the tank near a window? yes
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? She stopped eating about 4-5 days ago. The only other time in her life she has done this is once when she had a bad respiratory infection (we moved and she got a chill in the process, it was successfully treated with anitibiotics). She has also become very lethargic. Hanging out near the bottom if she is in the water, but for the last 3 days basking constantly while the light is on - 12 hours a day. She doesn't budge when I come into the room or walk up to the tank. She has been pooping each day so far. Otherwise she seems alert enough. Eyes are bright, the vet found no obvious physical issues. She is shedding heavily right now, not sure if that is an issue? I am just very worried as this is not typical behavior for her at all. She is kept in a heated bedroom where the room temperature never falls below 20 C. Her enclosure is about 3 feet from a window where she gets morning sun but no chill.

Re: Lethargic and not eating

PostPosted: Tue Dec 03, 2019 3:19 pm
by steve
Sounds like what my female RES is doing now. If you taker her out of the tank, is she active? Does she show interesting in treats or live prey?

Re: Lethargic and not eating

PostPosted: Tue Dec 03, 2019 4:05 pm
by Xtina2233
She is active if I take her out. No interest in anything I have tried, including a cricket.

Re: Lethargic and not eating

PostPosted: Tue Dec 03, 2019 9:08 pm
by steve
I don't think I would worry about it until other symptoms show up, but I would keep on trying treats. Have you ever fed her minnows?

Re: Lethargic and not eating

PostPosted: Tue Dec 03, 2019 9:37 pm
by Xtina2233
Thanks. I've never fed minnows no. Maybe worth trying.