stopped eating
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Hi guys, a problem: One of my hatchlings stopped eating two days ago. He shows an interest, zeros in on the worms or shrimp, and then doesn’t bite, just swims away…He then climbs up on his rock and opens his mouth. Last night he spent the whole night on the rock with his head down. I’m worried about him, he isn’t himself. Today he keeps rubbing his eyes, although I see nothing wrong there. Does anyone know if this opening of the mouth is anything? The habitat is clean, with a pinch of freshwater salt, like it’s always been. What to do? Donna
sounds like he is starting a respiratory tract infection. I recommend that you seek the aid of a qualified herp vet. Julie mckay07 wrote:
If it is a respiratory infection, is it beatable? The only rep vet around here is in the suburbs, and I would have to rent a car to go there, and so forth – does the little guy have a chance? He’s only a few weeks old. As it’s Sunday night I’ve put him in a hospital tank (this could be catching, right?) and I’ll call the vet in the morning. I just wondered what you guys’ appraisal is of his chances? Donna
Donna, I also suspect it’s a respiratory infection. Usually illnesses with hatchlings are very hard to deal with. Chances depend on how longs the little guy’s been ill. Does the little guy have a soft shell? If so, then the chances are slight. Keep him in warm water, I would say about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t give him a basking area where it is completely out of water. Give him a resting area, but would still keep him wet, such as a rock slightly below the water level because from my experience, they tend to bask to their death without noticing. Respiratory infection is usually caused by low vitamin A in the diet or kept in a cold area for a short period of time. I would say the best thing you could do now is to keep him in warm water in a hospital tank and don’t disturb him. Make sure it’s not too warm also, but that would raise the stress level. Best of luck, and keep us posted on his health. -James
Respiratory infections are easily treated with injectible antibiotics. Julie mckay07 wrote:
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