#pet clinic Dahlonega GA

[veterinary-innovators]

Is My Turtle Sick? Signs to Watch for

Turtles are amazing creatures and they can live  very long, in some cases up to 150 years! But just because they're tough doesn't mean  they don't get sick sometimes.

There are three major types of turtle diseases: internal, external, and nutritional. Medical illnesses include things like respiratory infections and cancer. External diseases include wounds caused by other turtles (or other animals) bites or scratches, parasites such as ticks and mites, and infections from wounds on the shell or skin. Nutritional problems can be caused by a poor diet or too much protein in the diet.  

If you think your turtle is sick, there are a few things you should look for: 

Lethargy: If your tortoise seems lethargic, has little appetite or is unresponsive when you call its name or lightly touch its shell with your fingertips, it may be sick.  

Lack of Energy: If your tortoise hasn't moved much and seems to have slowed down considerably since last week, or if it hasn't moved at all!, it may be sick.  

Unusual behavior: If your tortoise is acting strangely, such as spending more time alone than usual, it may be sick.

If your turtle shows one or more of the above signs or if you have any questions, please call us, your local pet clinic Dahlonega, GA today!