My turtle hasn't opened its mouth in days. Is it sick or injured?

Thank you for using PetCoach. Your turtle needs to see a reptile veterinarian ASAP. It may be suffering from malnutrition or have a respiratory infection or combination of both. It could be critically ill and likely needs injectable medications. Here is some more info on care. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Thanks for reaching out about your baby turtle and including photos. This turtle appears to be very ill and is need of seeing a veterinarian, as soon as possible. Check and correct water quality for temperature and water quality. Heat support should be warm. Good luck.

Hello, I’m sorry to hear of Babu’s injury. I am worried he may have sustained trauma to his face or jaw or even possibly internally. A jaw fracture would certainly make him not want to eat. I would recommend you have him seen by a veterinarian as he may need pin medication, antibiotics or even treatment of the wound or fracture, if present. Also, check out anapsid.org and read the red eared slider section under “chelonian.” This will give you some advice about proper nutrition and husbandry. Good luck!

Be sure to feed her in the water. Water depth should be no more than 3-4 inches at her size. You can offer appropriately sized prey such as crickets or dubia roaches. Brine shrimp, tubifex worms and fresh greens and fruit can also be offered. Commercial pellets or sticks should be a staple. Lethargy, swimming crooked or blowing bubbles are typically signs seen in cases of RI. The "gaping" (opening her mouth) could be her attempt to intimidate you. Follow the link below for more information regarding care. The link is for red eared sliders, but care of YBS is the same. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Poor Scarlett. This usually indicates some type of respiratory infection. I would have your vet take a look at her before she actually starts to act sick. Once they stop eating and become lethargic, it can be difficult to make them well. Your vet will be able to start her on some antibiotics if needed. Your vet will also be able to give you some suggestions on things you can change to her environment to help her feel better quicker. I hope this helps!

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.

I am sorry that Kai isn't feeling well. From what you are describing, he may have a respiratory infection - this could be isolated to his upper respiratory system (nose and trachea/windpipe) or it could also be involving the lower respiratory system as well (lungs, such as pneumonia). I would recommend taking Kai to a veterinarian for evaluation. They can perform an examination, and may recommend taking radiographs (x-rays) to see what his lungs look like. They may also collect some of the fluid to evaluate for bacterial populations to see if there is an infection. They can then prescribe treatments depending on what they find - these may include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Please do not give Kai any human medications at home, as many of these can be harmful for our scaly friends. I hope that this gives you a place to start, and that Kai feels better very soon.