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1488 Questions

Hi, not sure if this is the right place to ask but: I have 2 Yellow-belly slider turtles, both about the size of an adult hand. Their dock (which I got when they were smaller) is no longer big enough for even one of them. I'm having problems finding a dock that will accommodate them both. They are currently in a 60 gallon tank until we upgrade but I want to at least have a good dock for them until then. Should I look into getting 2 separate docks? Or is there another alternative. Thanks

If you're having a hard time finding a dock that is the right size, consider making your own! Very simple designs can be made from PVC pipe and other materials. I have attached a link to a forum that shows several DIY options for building a turtle dock. These are often cheaper than store bought items. http://www.turtleforum.com/forum/upload/index.php?/forums/topic/153638-safe-materials/

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My razorback musk turtle, got it for one and a half weeks or so, still small, has a yellowish white lump on its front leg. Like acne. What is this? Should I be worried? Thanks for your help!

Nice looking turtle! Barry could have a small wound that is trying to heal, like an abscess. I would at this point just monitor the bump and make sure it isn't getting bigger or that more appear. I think there is a good chance it's going to disappear on it own.

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Hey, my bearded dragon has a huge welp looking thing on the side of his mouth with a hole. My mom and dad say it is an abscess but I am kind of scared it is infected. It has been there for about 6 months but has gotten bigger in that time. I am 14 and have no money to pay for a real vet. My parents won't take him to the vet so can you guys please help me? Thanks

That is certainly suspicious for an abscess. Harry will need to see a veterinarian for confirmation. Without proper veterinary care, the infection may spread. Ask your parents again to make an appointment with a veterinarian experienced in treating reptiles. Discuss a payment plan with your parents. Agree to do more chores or special projects around the house to pay off the debt.

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Hey so I have a turtle name chapo had him for 9 months and recently he refuse to eat I don't know what to do

This is a very general sign of disease, actually every disease can manifest itself with this symptom, for this reason i cannot know what is wrong with El Chapo, i can only advise you to take him to a reptile vet specialist ASAP.

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Bearded Dragon's tail is black and hard and is starting to peel what should I do I have just started putting triple antibiotic ointment on today.

It's probably best to have a vet take a look at the tail especially if it is appearing injured or peeling. Do NOT apply over the counter medications to the area unless instructed by your vet as it may be toxic or deadly to your beardie if he were to lick it.

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My blue tongue lizard has been sitting in his water bowl lately. And im not sure if hes sick or just the heat. The last blue tongue I had was sick and kept sitting in the water, im worried

Blue tongued lizards do not typically soak. Check your tank temps to make sure the enclosure is not too hot. Daytime temps should be set in the mid 80s F (29 C)with a basking temp at 90 F - 95 F (32 C - 35C). Nighttime temps should be in the mid 70s F (24 C). If it is too hot, you may be correct thinking Stummpy may be escaping high temps. If he isn't eating regularly or seems excessively lethargic then you should have him examined by your herp veterinarian.

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Turtle has a swollen leg, Any "at home" care I can provide while waiting for the appointment?

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!

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My iguana has large black spots on his legs and feet, the black scales are falling off to the skin beneath. What is this and how can I fix it? will his original color (blue) come back in these areas?

I'm sorry Poseidon is having some problems with his scales. The blackening may be caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. This typically requires changes to the husbandry along with a topical antibiotic or anti-fungal. It is best to have him seen by an exotic vet who can prescribe the appropriate medication. We cannot determine whether or not his normal scaling will return. Scarring will prevent the scales from coming back normally so it is best to address this issue before it worsens.

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We have a 10 week old bearded dragon. She developed a small lump on her lower right side. It doesn’t seem to interfere with her movement or bother her when touched. She is eating and her stool is regular and appears normal. What should we do?

You have a couple options. Do nothing but monitor the lump for change or growth or you can have Artemis examined by your herp veterinarian. If necessary, a fine needle aspirate can be done to collect a sample for pathology. This should give you a pretty good idea if the lump is a mass (benign or malignant) or an abscess (infection). She should see the vet if the lump causes pain, impedes motion or if she develops lethargy or loss of appetite.

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