My red-eared slider turtle isn't swimming, holding its front leg. Why?

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.

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 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.

Nubbins should be examined by an experienced herp veterinarian. Any open wounds are at risk of infection. They wounds should be properly cleaned and antibiotics administered if indicated. Dry docking him is the right thing to do until the wounds heal. He will need to be placed in water for about an hour a day to eat, rehydrate and defecate. Follow the link for a care sheet: http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Turtles don't need to mate. Check his foot for signs of injury or infection. This may include redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding or discharge. If you see anything, have Pepper examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. In the meantime, confirm adequate water depth, quality and temperature. You can review red eared slider care information here: http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Thanks for reaching out about Snappy. Sleeping is a sign of lethargy and illness, and a veterinary visit should be scheduled as soon as possible. Floating all the time is an indication of hyper-inflated lungs and possible respiratory infection. Systemic disease require systemic antibiotics, which a veterinarian can prescribe. Good luck.

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).