I know that this is a very strange request, but does anyone know anything about red ear slider turtles? We have a koi pond in our back yard with a turtle. Last night, the turtle climbed out of the pond and our dogs thought it was a toy. They put 2 large holes in his shell along with 2 smaller ones, which could be bite marks. We called Dolphin Pet Village, as well as the emergency vet. They said to wrap the turtle with gauge and see if he makes it through the night. Well he is still very much alived. He is in a bin in the bathtub right now. The internet has not given us very much information. If anyone knows anything, please respond to me. Thanks and have a good day.
I want to thank all of you for your help and concerns. Unfortunately, the turtle didn't make it. He showed strong signs of surviving, but just wasn't strong enough. I am so thankful for Mamasource. I got answers that I could'nt find on my own. Thanks again
Gosh, it has been so long since I had a turtle but there is stuff for their shells. Go to a reptile and amphibian store. I know there is one in North San Jose off main street near the great mall I think but the guys in there know so much about reptiles etc. if you can't find a vet. My water turtle once got really damaged and they helped me nurse him back to health. Sorry I couldn't help more. Good luck!!
S.- It is difficult to find a vet in the area good with exotics. You might try calling UCDavis Emergency and see if they have an exotic on staff. Calling Monterey was an excellent idea. There are a few exotic vets in San Jose/Bay area. Call the emergency clinic again and ask if they have a listing for any exotics or if the vet on duty has any experience with exotics (and how long). Definitely sounds like antibiotics are in order. Certain glues (not all glues) are helpful in assisting to seal/heal cracked shells, but the turtle should be examined by a vet before attempting something like this. Good luck.
My husband says perhaps to try the same patches that are used for surf boards....you won't want it to touch their skin...but he thinks it could help, or to let it repair itself. Best of luck.
Sorry not to respond sooner...I'm a registered Vet technician. I've never worked in an Exotic practice but you need to see a Veternarian who specializes in Exotics. This means they see snake, birds, turtles, etc. From my tech literature dog bites seem to be a very common injury to turtles. The only exotic specialist I know is in Monterey, I just haven't needed one in the area. You could call the office in Monterey ###-###-#### (Avian and Exotic Clinic of the monterey Penisula) and they may be able to recommend someone up here. In my professional journals I know they make up a substance to fill in the holes (an epoxy I think) until they can grow in the new shell and the patches fall off. They may sometimes need antibiotics and to be checked to make sure they don't have internal damage. Again, sorry for the delay.
I'm not sure where you live but I'd recommend taking him to the vet if at all possible. The shell can be glued if it's cracked but he should probably also get some sort of antibiotics because likely the wound is infected. Look around for someone who specializes in exotics and you should be in good hands. I've seen some cat and dog vets do some scary stuff to birds and reptiles just because they don't have the experience. Hope the little guy makes it.
Hi S.,
Call the Monterey Bay Aquarium or Steinhart in Golden Gate Park, SF. Ask to speak with or leave a message for someone with expertise on turtles. Good luck. N.
Also try the Youth Science Institute. It has offices and classs rooms in Vasona Park. The main offices are in Alum Rock Park. The facility is large and they may have a vet on call.
B.
My friend and I bought them in Chinatown Los Angeles a few years ago and kept them until they outgrew their 10 gallon aquarium. She is up north and I am here but we learned how to care for them and that they needed a heater, water and land. And of course food. We then both sold them to someone who had an outdoor pool as caring for kids we can not have outdoor water and did not want to invest in an 80 gallon aquarium. Does it need heat in the bathtub to recover? My only suggetion is to go to the library.
Good luck.
F.
Sounds like turtle may need to see a vet. Problem is, there are few vets that treat turtles. Adobe Animal Hospital in Los Altos has vets that see reptiles and amphibians or here is a link to vets that see turtles.
http://www.tortoise.org/general/vetlist.html
Your turtle may need antibiotics to prevent infection and possibly some casting to repair the shell. Good luck!
Call a Zoo. See if they can suggest something. It's Sunday and they may not be able to help you until Monday. Also try to find a wildlife rescue in your area. The most important thing to do is keep the animal clean, and calm. DO NOT TOUCH the area. I hope he makes it.
Good Luck to you both.
