How big is your turtle? Maybe 4”-5” in shell length
How long have you had it? About a year
What is the water temperature? 78
Did you use a thermometer? Yes
Are you using a water heater? Yes
How much water is in there? 10-15 gallons? 20 gallon tank
Are you using a water conditioner? Yes
Are you using any filtration? Yes
What is the basking temperature? Not quite sure
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? Combo filter and basking dock
Is there a UVB light? Not currently, there was one up until a month or so ago
What have you been trying to feed it? Pellets, mealworms, won’t eat veggies
When was the last time your turtle ate? Today
How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 20 gallons
Is the tank near a window? Not super close to one
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? Sometimes
Have you read the Basic Care section? Probably
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? Yes
Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? No, eats like normal, active, basks
I rescued this slider last year as it had a huge chunk taken out of its shell and wounds underneath as well. My plan was to release back into the same pond this upcoming weekend as it is finally consistently warm. However, I noticed a sore on its arm and pulled him out of the tank to inspect. I noticed the plastron is tinted pink/red and I am now worried it’s septicemia. I obviously don’t want to release him to his death, but am also not in a great situation at this moment to take on a large vet bill. If all signs point toward sepsis I will have no choice but to take him to a vet and hope they can help! I have spent the last hour pouring through similar situations, and am not convinced either way.
Any advice or suggestion is appreciated!
Here are pics of the plastron and the sore:
https://imgur.com/gallery/CM7NNH5