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One of my two, three year-old red eared-sliders has become lethargic, not wanting to eat. The turtle sleeps all day and moves very little. Also, its eyes have began to sunk, and every time it is underwater it closes them; they get red a little, as if they itched. My other red-eared slider eats plenty, is always on the move, and weighs plenty, in contrast to the first one which weighs little (it used to weigh more maybe two months ago). I didn't notice until recently and am very concerned.

One of my two, three year-old red eared-sliders has become lethargic, not wanting to eat. The turtle sleeps all day and moves very little. Also, its eyes have began to sunk, and every time it is underwater it closes them; they get red a little, as if they itched. My other red-eared slider eats plenty, is always on the move, and weighs plenty, in contrast to the first one which weighs little (it used to weigh more maybe two months ago). I didn't notice until recently and am very concerned.

Updated On May 30th, 2017

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

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If possible, separate them until you get a diagnosis. Get a stool sample from the sick turtle and submit it to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial infection. An exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles is strongly recommended given the marked weight loss and lethargy. Increase water and ambient temperatures by a few degrees to support the sick turtle. Offer a biologically appropriate, species specific diet as well as proper vitamin and mineral supplementation. Check the UVB bulb and replace it of it is older than 6 months old. The symptoms you describe have multiple causes, so it is important to have an exam and testing to reach a diagnosis. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. Follow the link below for information regarding care and husbandry of red eared sliders. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

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