Why is my turtle swimming sideways, has a swollen neck and shedding skin?

Thanks for reaching out about Tuffy. Swelling on the side of the head are likely inner ear infections. Vitamin A deficiencies are common causes. Antibiotics in the water will do little as turtles do not drink much, systemic antibiotics are required to treat. These can be given orally (difficult to do without being bitten) or through injections. But the diet needs to be corrected to include vitamin A rich foods. Since turtles create very thick pus, minor surgical procedures need to be performed to remove the pus. You might need to see another veterinarian with more reptile experience. Good luck.

From these pictures I'm concerned that Emelia may have an abscess or infection. I strongly recommend a visit to a reptile veterinarian ASAP. Correct husbandry and environment and feeding may prevent this from happening in the future but if she is already acting sick she likely needs antibiotic therapy and potential he injectable vitamins in order to recover. Try to get their lighting correct ASAP, and here are some links on Karen husbandry as well as the reptile veterinary Association if you need help finding a vet. Good luck with them. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/turtles-aquatic-diseases http://www.anapsid.org/mainchelonians.html http://arav.org/

Thanks for reaching out about Radi. If an auricular infection, antibiotics and possible minor surgery needed, so a veterinary visit is recommended. If something more serious such as a skin infection, even more need to see a vet. Due to the nature of reptile pus (very thick and caseous), anti-inflammatories will do little to remedy this condition by themselves. Vitamin A deficiencies are often a component also and a veterinarian should be able to review your diet and correct any concerns. Good luck.

This may be localized infection or inflammation. It could also be an old injury. Keep the area clean. You can use a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution to gently clean the area daily. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. Check temps in the tank as well. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. You can review slider care at the links below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

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).

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.

This can be due to vitamin A deficiency, infection, poor water quality or lighting that is too intense/direct. You can address environmental concerns but you may need a vet to diagnose and treat infection or deficiency. Feeding a commercial turtle food along with fresh veggies and greens (or prey) will help balance the diet. Vitamin and mineral supplementation is also recommended. Click on the link below for more information. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html