How to Care for a Sick Turtle?

Question

I found a very sick, and possibly injured, turtle along the road this evening. He is so beautiful, despite being ill. His eyes are swollen, he has skin wounds, shell sores, and has been sneezing. I've offered him some vegetables and lunch meats, but he wont eat. Should I take him to the veterinarian? I don't want to keep him as a pet though. As soon as he is better I plan on releasing him.

Answer 1

tack the turtle to the vet

Answer 2

Take him to a vet, but make sure that vet is comfortable and experienced working with reptiles.  Many times they will also take "good Samaritan" cases.   You can go in and say "I found this animal, it needs medical care," and you can drop it off and they won't charge you.  With the amount of damage/health issues that animal has, you should not attempt treatment yourself, especially if you have no experience with reptiles.  Take it to a vet :)

Answer 3

Studies have shown that unless a wild animal gets aggressive (and generally expensive) care from a specialist vet or rehabber, it is almost always better off being left alone in the wild.

What you did is well-meant, but very stressful to the turtle- especially since the diet you are offering is not really helping anything.

Let it go as close to its home as you can as soon as you can.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I hate to say this, because im a turtle lover. Unless you want to spent alot of money on a vet bill I suggest you release it into a local pond and let nature take its toll. You'll be looking at the visit, xray, and medicine. Itll be expensive.