My red-eared slider's limbs were chewed off. How to care for an injured turtle?

It looks like he has an injury on his toe or foot. A close up image would be needed to determine where the injury is located. A physical exam with your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet would be recommended to diagnose and treat any infection. Raphael may need antibiotics. For now, keep the water in the tank as clean as possible. Rinse the foot a couple times daily with diluted betadine or chlorhexidine solution. Allow a 1-2 hour dry docking after each cleaning. Monitor for lethargy or decreased appetite. Confirm proper environmental parameters. Consider increasing tank temps by about 5-10 degrees F to aid in recovery.

He should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. If your vet is unavailable, have him seen at the nearest veterinary ER. The wounds should be assessed and treated as indicated. Antibiotics and pain management will likely be indicated. Secure the tank to prevent incursions by predators or scavengers.

Separate them if you can to allow healing. Keep the water as clean as possible to prevent infection. Clean the area daily with a diluted betadine or chlorhexidine solution then allow for a 1-2 hour dry dock (out of the water) period. If the wound doesn't heal or if Sammy becomes lethargic or stops eating, then have your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet perform an exam and administer treatment as indicated.

It is a natural trait of the males to have long nails. Being aquatic turtles the length of the nails does not cause them any issues with movement and therefore should be left long. Cutting the nails should not be done UNLESS they are growing in an abnormal orientation. There is a vein that runs down into the nail. If you hit this vein while trimming the nails or get very close to it the toe(s) will be very sore for quite a while. So my guess is that this is the reason he is not walking and the reason he bit the vet assistant. I suggest you call the vet and ask them for some pain medication that you can give Mangi. That will make him feel better and then he may start to eat again. In the future DO NOT have the nails trimmed unless there is an actual medical reason to do so. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Cracking can be due to infection, poor water quality or poor nutrition/lighting. Have Shelly examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose and treat any infection. Signs include pitting, bleeding or a very soft shell. Half the diet should be plant matter with one quarter made up of commercial sticks or pellets and one quarter animal protein. UVB lighting should be provided and water quality maintained. You can follow this link to an article about proper care and nutrition for sliders. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Thanks for reaching out about Charlie and including a photo. Sorry for the situation. A veterinary visit is a must. Open wounds need to be cleaned and closed. Antibiotics and analgesics are recommended. Concerns would be he was chewed on by something, so outdoor time should be limited to daytime only. No access to dirt to decrease potential of further infection. Clean now by soaking in warm tap water. See a veterinarian, ASAP. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Sheel and including photos. A veterinary visit is recommended, probably with radiographs, to rule-in/out a fracture or dislocation. Even if fractured, some animals will walk on it. Pain medications will probably be recommended at the minimum. Soft tissue swelling might improve better with anti-inflammatory medications. Good luck.