Red-eared sliders are one of the most popular pet turtles, but they are prone to certain health issues As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to learn how to identify signs of illness and provide appropriate care when your red-eared slider is sick In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the most common illnesses in red-eared sliders, symptoms to look out for, and treatment options.
Weight Loss
Sudden or unexplained weight loss is one of the first signs that your red-eared slider may be ill. Healthy sliders should maintain a stable weight as they grow. Weight fluctuations of more than 10-15% over a short period can signal an underlying problem.
Causes
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Parasitic infection – Internal parasites like roundworms can cause weight loss lack of appetite, lethargy and diarrhea.
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Inadequate diet – Not getting proper nutrients from their food can lead to malnutrition.
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Metabolic disorders – Issues with metabolism, thyroid, kidney and liver function may result in weight loss.
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Mouth rot – This bacterial infection makes it painful to eat.
Treatment
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Take your turtle to the vet for a fecal exam to check for parasites. Medication may be prescribed.
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Review diet and ensure proper calcium/vitamin supplements are provided.
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Address any metabolic issues based on vet recommendations.
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For mouth rot – antibiotic injections, topical disinfectants and filing overgrown beak.
Shell Injuries
Holes, dents, soft spots or rotting areas on the shell indicate injury or infection. Red-eared sliders’ shells are covered in scutes that protect the bone – damage here leaves them vulnerable.
Causes
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Shell rot – Bacterial or fungal infection of the shell. Caused by unsanitary housing, moisture buildup or injury.
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Physical damage – Drops, bites, crushing injuries, etc can fracture or puncture the shell.
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Metabolic bone disease – Nutritional deficiencies weaken the shell.
Treatment
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For shell rot – disinfect affected areas, apply antibiotic ointments, ensure proper temps/humidity. May need antifungal/antibacterial meds.
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Physical damage – stabilize fractures, treat wounds, surgical repair if severe.
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Metabolic bone disease – UV light for vitamin D3, proper calcium supplements and diet.
Swollen Eyes
Fluid accumulation or inflammation around the eyes signals issues like infection, vitamin deficiency or trauma. Left untreated, eye problems can lead to blindness.
Causes
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Respiratory infection – Viruses, bacteria or fungi cause inflammation of eyes and upper respiratory tract.
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Vitamin A deficiency – Lack of vitamin A impairs eye/skin health. Common in captive sliders.
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Trauma – Blunt force or scratching can induce swelling, popped blood vessels.
Treatment
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Respiratory infection – Improve housing conditions, temperatures and humidity. Antibiotics may be prescribed by a vet.
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Vitamin deficiency – Dietary supplementation, pellets with added vitamins and greens like kale/carrots.
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Trauma – Antibiotic ointments, steroids to reduce swelling, prevent further injury during recovery.
Ear Abscess
Visible swelling around or behind the ear opening may signal a buildup of pus. This causes pain and requires prompt medical care.
Causes
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Bacterial infection – Often associated with poor water quality and housing hygiene.
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Foreign object – Small items can get lodged in the ear and cause infection.
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Trauma – Blunt force or scratching damages the ear tissue.
Treatment
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Vet visit for antibiotic and anti-inflammatory injections, pain medication.
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Draining the abscess to release trapped pus and infection.
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Topical antibiotics/disinfectants while healing.
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Review housing setup and hygiene protocols to prevent reoccurrence.
Shell Discoloration
Pale, white or grey patches on the shell may indicate fungal infection. Can be localized or affect the entire shell.
Causes
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Fungal infection – Often caused by persistently damp conditions and temperature fluctuations.
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Normal shedding – Some discoloration around scute edges is normal before a shell shed.
Treatment
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Antifungal creams, antifungal injections may be used for stubborn cases.
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Improve temperature regulation, basking area and reduce ambient moisture.
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Gently scrub affected areas to remove dead tissue/spores.
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Watch closely after a shed to ensure normal color returns.
Metabolic Bone Disease
Weak and deforming shells, swollen limbs and jerky movements are hallmarks of this nutritional imbalance. Must correct diet to resolve.
Causes
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Lack of calcium/vitamin D3 – Needed for proper bone development and strength.
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Kidney/liver disease – Impairs vitamin D metabolism.
Treatment
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UVB lighting – Allows synthesis of vitamin D3.
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Calcium supplements – Powders and cuttlebone for self-regulation.
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Balance calcium/phosphorus intake.
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Address any underlying organ issues.
Constipation
Lack of feces for an extended time can indicate gastrointestinal blockage. Soaking and hydration often resolve mild cases.
Causes
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Dehydration – Not getting enough water to keep digestive system lubricated.
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Diet – Too much protein, lack of fiber leads to compacted stool.
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Low temps – Reduces digestive efficiency and motility.
Treatment
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Increase soaking time – 20-30 mins in warm water 1-2 times a day.
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Up water and fiber intake – More plants, aquatic veggies added to diet.
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Increase ambient and basking temperatures slightly.
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Monitor for improvement, seek vet care if no change after 3-5 days.
Diarrhea
Loose, watery and/or oddly colored stool indicates intestinal irritation or infection. Can lead to dehydration if unchecked.
Causes
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Bacteria/parasites – Salmonella, E. coli and parasites may cause diarrhea if conditions are unsanitary.
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Diet – Too much fruit/sugar, not enough fiber or greens.
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Stress – Changes in housing, handling, environment can induce diarrhea.
Treatment
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Address potential housing sanitation issues, quarantine from other pets.
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Withhold fruits and protein until it resolves.
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Provide more hydrating foods like lettuce, aquatic plants.
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Add probiotics to help restore gut health.
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Seek medical treatment if it persists more than 2-3 days.
Lethargy
While red-eared sliders spend a fair amount of time basking and at rest, extended periods of lethargy and lack of activity can mean sickness.
Causes
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Respiratory infection – Congestion from RI makes breathing difficult.
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Low temperature – Causes metabolism slowdown, reduces appetite and activity.
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Pain – From injury, infection or impaction. Causes inactivity.
Treatment
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Check temps – Increase basking area and ambient temps slightly if needed.
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Address potential injuries/infections.
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Seek vet care for diagnostic testing and pain management if no improvement.
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Ensure proper UVB for metabolism.
Wheezing & Labored Breathing
Wheezing, whistling noises, open-mouth breathing and coughing indicates respiratory infection. Requires prompt medical treatment.
Causes
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Viral, bacterial or fungal infection – Contagious pathogens invade the lungs.
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Irritants – Smoke, fumes, dust can induce breathing issues.
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Low temperature – Slows immune response.
Treatment
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Veterinary care – Antibiotic injections, nebulization treatment.
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Improve housing hygiene – Disinfect enclosure, dehumidify, ensure good air flow.
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Gradually increase temperature – Back down once infection clears.
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Quarantine from other pets during treatment.
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Nebulization at home may be recommended for follow-up care.
Loss of Appetite
Disinterest in food for more than 2-3 days may indicate illness, pain or stress. Can lead to dangerous weight loss.
Causes
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Pain from injury – Oral or internal injury makes eating uncomfortable.
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Parasites – Interfere with nutrient absorption.
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Respiratory infection – Congestion prevents eating/breathing simultaneously.
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Stress – Disrupts natural feeding behavior.
Treatment
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Rule out oral injury/infection – Visible wounds, plaque, fungal infection.
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Deworming medication if parasites present.
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Address respiratory infection.
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Reduce handling/environmental disruption until eating resumes.
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Assist feed if appetite doesn’t improve within 2-3 days. Seek vet care.
Knowing how to identify abnormalities in your red-eared slider is crucial for timely treatment and prevention of further decline. While some causes of illness can be addressed at home through improved husbandry, others require hands-on vet exams, testing and medication. Having an experienced exotic vet on hand is advisable for all reptile owners. With attentive care and prompt intervention when problems arise, most sick red-eared sliders can make a full recovery.
Respiratory Infection in Turtles: Symptoms and home treatment
FAQ
What does an unhealthy red-eared slider look like?
Red-eared slider healthy shell vs unhealthy shell: Red-eared slider healthy shell should be hard, relatively smooth, and dark green. An unhealthy shell usually has discolored spots, soft/brittle spots, abnormal shedding, cracks or damages, abnormal shape, foul odor…
How do you treat a red-eared slider infection?
If there is just this spot, you can treat it at home. Step1: Apply a solution of betadine and water until it looks like weak tea. AVOID head and mouth area. Rinse it afterward. Step 2: Apply a healing cream (Neosprin, SSD, Curad Silver) to the infected area and leave it for 1 hour.
How do you tell if your turtle has vitamin deficiency?
Vitamin A deficiency (called Hypovitaminosis A) is extremely common in young aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles and it is usually recognised by opacity of the corneal surface of the eye due to poor epithelial development. The eyelids become inflamed and swollen and the animal may have difficulty breathing with wheezing.
Do red eared sliders get sick?
In mild cases, you may not notice any sick signs or symptoms, but when the case becomes extreme, you may notice weight loss, lack of appetite, diarrhea, and lethargy in your red-eared slider. The most common cause of holes and sores in the shell of your red-eared slider is shell rot.
How do you know if a red eared slider is bad?
In addition to the gray or uneven pigmentation, there may be peeling, blisters, flaking, and pussy like substances on the skin. This is often a result of poor quality combined with incorrect basking areas and temperatures. One of the early signs of metabolic bone disease in red-eared sliders is the shell curving upwards.
Why are my red eared sliders curving?
This is often a result of poor quality combined with incorrect basking areas and temperatures. One of the early signs of metabolic bone disease in red-eared sliders is the shell curving upwards. Metabolic bone disease can be caused by numerous factors, which results in a lack of vitamin D3 and calcium in the diet.
Are red red eared sliders healthy?
A Red red-eared slider’s health intricately intertwines with its surroundings and care. Awareness of potential health problems, their root causes, and viable solutions is paramount for any responsible pet owner. This knowledge not only safeguards against common health issues but also fortifies the turtle’s overall well-being.
Do red-eared sliders have ear infections?
Ear infections, also known as aural abscesses, are relatively common in red-eared sliders. The good news is that they are quick and easy to diagnose with the obvious swelling of the ears. This can happen in one or both ears. The swelling is a result of pus that forms in the ear canal and pushes on the skin.
Do red eared slider turtles have metabolic bone disease?
Metabolic bone disease can be caused by numerous factors, which results in a lack of vitamin D3 and calcium in the diet. In addition to the shell curving upwards, there are a host of other sick signs and symptoms which could point towards metabolic bone disease (or soft shell) in a red-eared slider turtle.