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I have an aquatic red ear slider turtle. He is very lethargic and his legs are swollen. He hasn't been eating. What should I do?

I have an aquatic red ear slider turtle. He is very lethargic and his legs are swollen. He hasn't been eating. What should I do?

Updated On June 18th, 2020

Pet's info: Reptile | Aquatic Turtle | Male | unneutered | 17 years and 5 months old | 2 lbs

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

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The swollen legs and poor shell condition may be due to poor husbandry (diet and environment). Confirm proper environmental parameters, especially temperature. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. The stress of being in low temps can lead to illness or infection. A poor diet, especially one low in calcium, can lead to poor shell condition and MBD ( metabolic bone disease). This may account for the swollen legs. Ideally, Dave should be physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Supportive care and calcium supplementation may be indicated to get him on the road to recovery. In the meantime, maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water. Provide a balanced diet including protein (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc.) fresh greens and vegetables and commercial pellets. Provide a multivitamin and a calcium supplement along with adequate unfilterer sunlight or UVB lighting. You can review slider care at the links below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/

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