My turtle's been sick for 2 months, why won't he get better!?

Question

I have a red eared slider that started showing signs of a RI 2 months ago. I took him to the vet right away and I gave him baytril injections for 2 weeks. About a month later he didn't seem to be getting any better so I took him again and he was put on another round of baytril injections. He still isn't better and he's been sick for a little over 2 months now. He doesn't move or eat at all. He sometimes coughs up mucous when I put him in the water once a day to offer him food. His eyes are swollen, but they've gotten a little better? I honestly don't know what to do for him anymore. I wish he'd get better, but I've accepted that he probably won't :( Why hasn't he recovered or died yet? I really really want him to get better but I hate to see him suffer for so long. Any advice? Another trip to the vet is out of the question because I've already spent $120 for nothing.

gallianomom2001 · Accepted Answer

You might try going to another vet. Another idea might be a tracheal swabbing to determine if the infection is even sensitive to baytril.  Since there was no improvement, I'd say that this was the case and you'd need to try a different antibiotic.  Cultures should also tell you whether or not this is bacterial and not viral, which is not affected by antibiotics.  Hope he improves.  Two trips only costing you $60 each is nothing.  I've spent hundreds on trips to the vet with some of my snakes.

Anonymous · Answer

if you are able to raise the temps in his tank about five degrees day and night. this might help his immune system fight the respiratory infection. if he is not getting in the water and just staying under the basking spot light then let him stay in the heat, it's going to do more good than the water right now. hope this helps

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My turtle's been sick for 2 months, why won't he get better!?

2 Answers