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My aquatic turtle is swollen. Is it kidney failure or something else?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Exotic | Unknown - Exotic | Female | unspayed

I have a female aquatic turtle of 9 years old and it is swollen like a balloon, here there is no veterinarian that knows about turtles, I read that it could be kidney failure please help me

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on February 25th, 2018

Kidney disease is one possibility. Bacterial infection or nutritional deficiencies are other possibilities. Without a physical exam and diagnostics, it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine the exact cause.
Sisi should be seen by a veterinarian, any veterinarian, for an exam. It is possible a specialist can be reached by phone or online to assist your veterinarian.
In the meantime, provide clean water at the proper temperature, a heat source and UVB light source for basking and an appropriate diet. Commercial turtle sticks or pellets can be fed. Supplement with fresh greens and vegetables. A calcium and multivitamin supplement should be sprinkled on food several times weekly as well.
It appears that you have a Yellow-Headed Sideneck turtle. You can find a care sheet here: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/cs-yellowheadedamazon.htm

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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