Urgent Care :: Heavy Breathing/Almost Wheezing

[Adamsv7]

How big is your turtle? 4 inches
How long have you had it? 3 1/2 years

What is the water temperature? 81 degrees fahrenheit
Did you use a thermometer? Yes
Are you using a water heater? Yes, 2
How much water is in there? 70 gal
Are you using a water conditioner? Yes, prime
Are you using any filtration? Yes Sun Sun canister filter

What is the basking temperature? 85 degrees
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? Zoo Med large basking dock
Is there a UVB light? Yes

What have you been trying to feed it? Romaine/Red leaf lettuce every other day, Tetra Reptomin
When was the last time your turtle ate? Just fed

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 70 gal
Is the tank near a window? No
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? Studio apartment

Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? I’ve come across respiratory infection which it did have when younger due to horrible care before I purchased.

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? Swimming fine, eating great, basking normally

Just noticed my RES is breathing very heavily when coming up from under the water. Usually around feeding time but happens when I walk around the tank throughout the day. It’s similar to a hissing and only happens when head pokes out of the water. Doesn’t happen while basking. Been happening for a few days now. Eyes are not puffy. Perform weekly 25% water changes.

[Adamsv7]

Seems excited when he does this so it may be due to that but how come I’ve never heard it before? RES doesn’t look overweight as I always try to feed under the allotted amount from the basic care page. Any ideas or comments are welcome. Thank you.

[steve]

If your turtle is excited (around feeding time usually), or surfaces after being under water for a long period, then you might hear/feel some heavy breathing. You might even see water shoot out from the nostrils if he surfaces quickly. It's been mentioned a few times before, though I do think being overweight contributes to it.