My turtle appears to be choking on something.?

Question

(I have a young yellow-bellied Slider)

I tried opening its mouth and looking in it's throat and saw something dark. I'm not sure if its something or just its throat.

It hasn't eaten anything within 4 days, keeps opening its mouth just a bit; like its tring to breathe. It wont swim around like it used to, it just kind of lays in the water; looking dead. I just had my cat die while i was gone, i don't want my other favorite pet to die... Please help~

Answer 1

This sounds like a respiratory infection... raise the temps in your tank and basking area and take your turt to the vet... he will prob need antibiotics.  Higher temps help them fend off the infection.  Does he swim lopsided?  Can you see any bubbles or mucous coming from his nose or mouth?  Does it look like he is yawning a lot?  Join Turtleforum.com for more help.  I have two Diamond Back Terrapins and that is where I go when I need help.  It is a great group of ppl with LOTS and LOTS of helpful info!