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Indian Flapshell turtle: watery eyes, nose bubbles, floating. Illness?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

I have a female Indian Flapshell Turtle. Today i noticed that she had slight watery eyes and she blew bubbles with her nose. I also saw that she was floating in water. I checked online and saw that it is some respiratory illness. But she has been hiding inside mud in my garden (i assume she eats worms.) I'm not clear about her illness, please guide.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on April 24th, 2017

Yes, it is possible Melanie has a respiratory infection. She should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to confirm the diagnosis. Antibiotics will be necessary if this is the case. Left untreated, she may develop pneumonia which can be life threatening.
If an experienced reptile vet is unavailable, your local veterinarian may be able to consult with one online or by phone.
Follow this link for a file regarding care of flapshells: http://www.infowares.com/j/indian_flapshell_turtle_caresheet.pdf
You may need to take her from the garden and set up a tank for Melanie while she is being treated. It will make it easier to treat and monitor her condition.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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