Why is my turtle lethargic with swollen legs and heavy breathing?

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.

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 Flippy and including a photo. The eyes and neck are swollen, and by your description, it appears he has a respiratory infection. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan that should include a vitamin A and calcium injections and systemic antibiotics. The diet and husbandry practices need to be reviewed and corrected. 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.

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

This can be due to poor water quality. Dirty water increases the risk of infection. Maintain water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. Turtles need powerful filtration, so confirm your filter is rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. Infection should be confirmed by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. This will require a physical exam. Prescription antibiotics can be administered or dispensed afterwards.

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!