Turtle Hatchling Death & Advice

[pdsn99]

Some advice please,

I bought two ELN’s approx 7 weeks back, and to my disappointment one of them died this morning. I bought them from a reputable breeder, however they had some infected sores on their mouths which I didn't notice until getting them home.

I advised the breeder about the problem and he gave me some instructions on how to treat the problem. After a couple of weeks it didn't seem to get better so I took them to the vet (camden reptile). Some antibiotics and a hefty bill later the little bugger died anyway.

What should I do? - Contact breeder and ask for replacment, refund etc... or just suck it up?

The surviving turtle is eating well but the infections are worrying.

My setup is a 6 foot tank with 2x 2400L/hr external canisters (one biological : one mechanical), UV lights, turtle docks, basking lamp and underwater heater. The water temp ranges from 24 -26 depending on day and night and they stay under the UV light a fair bit.


Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Poggle]

Unfortunately you are stuck in a sticky situation.... See you have taken it to the vet and spent alot ofmoney for it just to die.. so i can understand you are upset... but this may also work in a way for a replace if you can get the vet to prove it didnt come from your tank.. cause otherwise the breeder will just say itcame form your tank

 

[miss2]

sounds like u did all the right things. personaly i would be contacting the breeder and explainng what happened, if they are a decent breeder then they shouldnt hesistate to replace or help pay vet bills or help in some way. i would be concerned about the remaining one and maybe if your not to attatched to it have it replaced for %100 healthy baby? but thats just me

 

[smelly]

What was the pH of the water? How long did you cycle the tank before putting the turtles in the tank? Did you do any water changes?

Try dry docking the remaining turtle until infections start to clear up a bit. Depending on what antibiotics you were given.....can you remember the name of what the vet gave your turtle?

 

[pdsn99]

Hello

The pH is approx. 7 - I also look after coral saltwater and number of trops, so i understand this part of water quality. The tank itself has been running for 10 months with a small number of trops - flying fox, bristlenose, corydoras, loaches, glass cats, neons.

I have done a number of water changes - all my tests (NH4, NH3, NH2 & phosphates) are good.

Currently, I am putting liquid betadine in a bowl of water and soaking for 20 minutes - under vet advice. I was swabbing gel betadine straight onto infections.

Not sure of Antibiotics but i'll double check when I get home, this arvo.

Cheers

 

[pdsn99]

Any more advice or stories of what other people have done in a similar situation???

 

[miss2]

well, r u going to contact the breeder?

 

[Poggle]

yeah i would contact breeder mate..... how is liquid betadine going... i have onlyh ever used direct swabbing

 

[pdsn99]

I'll let u know about liquid betadine - only done it twice.

Emailed breeder, awaiting response - not holding my breath though.

Thanks for those who replied

 

[miss2]

i would be putting a bit of pressure on the breeder, get the vet to also write up a report and offer one to the breeder. as i said, if the are a reputable breeder they should be more the willing to help, esp considering as u said u keep a number of tanks so are awear about water levels, cycling etc.
good luck keep us updated.

 

[snakelady-viper]

This happened to one of my turtles this year. I also went to a reputable breeder. After contacting him there was no hesitation in replacing the turtle. Now they are both happy and growing well.
Anyone who wants the breeders number please PM me .
The breeder was very helpful and took the time to go through everything that I may encounter. I hope your breder is as understanding.

 

[-Peter]

Water temps are to high, about 20-21 degrees C.