My red-eared slider turtle fell. His leg is swollen. What should I do?

Thanks for reaching out about Swimmly and including a photo. A veterinary visit is recommended ASAP. This could be an indication of sepsis, liver/kidney disease, heart problems, calcium and other nutritional deficiencies, just to list a few. Check water quality and replaced to clean water. Removing from the water and placing in a warm dry environment might help over the short term. Returning to water to feed is allowed. Blood work and other diagnostics will probably be necessary, but at the minimum systemic antibiotics started. Good luck.

Keeping things easy for Jazzy to get to, removing him to a hospital tank if there are other turtles present, and monitoring the leg is best until you can get to the vet. This will help keep him eating and drinking as needed and can prevent further injury or being picked on by tank mates. Hope Jazzy gets to feeling better soon!

Without an image, it is difficult to determine what is going on. Ideally, you should have the turtle physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. He or she may be able to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. In the meantime, maintain pristine water quality and proper environmental parameters. Keep water depth at no more than twice the length of the shell. Provide a UVB light source, filtration and a water heater. Feed a balanced diet including protein (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc), fresh greens and vegetables and commercial pellets. You can review slider care at the links below. (Yes, they say Red Eared Slider, but care for Yellow Bellied Sliders is the same). http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Thanks for reaching out about Tuktuk and including a photo. The foot appears to be infected. Is he housed with another turtle that could have bitten him? Or another type of wound. Water quality needs to be pristine to prevent further infection. Floating with one side dependent is often a sign of a congested lung, i.e. pneumonia. A veterinary visit is highly recommended as soon as possible, as systemic antibiotics are probably needed. Check and correct all husbandry parameters including water and basking temperatures, nutrition, and UVB exposure. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Ace. Swollen limbs is commonly an indication of retained fluids. Possible causes could be infection, kidney, heart or liver disease. Illness from improper husbandry or diet can also affect systemic healthy. A veterinary visit is highly recommended, soon for a diagnostics and treatment plan. Good luck.

Vets are open during quarantine. If you are worried and don't think it is normal then you need to have him examined by a vet. I can't really tell you what is wrong with him based on your description but I am guessing he may have an injury to his leg. He will need to see an exotics vets so you may have to drive closer to Chicago to take him there. Here are two I found near you. http://www.exoticpetvet.com/ animalhouseofchicago.com/locations/illinois/chicago-animal-house-of-chicago/our-services-exotic-pet-care

Hi, and thank you for this question. Smudgy's condition sounds serious, and cannot be treated at home. He will have to be examined by a vet ASAP and will likely need some medication as well as supportive care. The vet would also have several options of getting food into him (e.g. by inserting a feeding tube).