My turtle has only three legs. Is he okay? What should I do?

It could shorten his life or kill him only if the leg is infected and the infection spreads. So, if the leg is infected I would say the amputation needs to be done ASAP. As far as once the leg is amputated, they tend to live their normal life span.

Thanks for reaching out about Sheel and including photos. A veterinary visit is recommended, probably with radiographs, to rule-in/out a fracture or dislocation. Even if fractured, some animals will walk on it. Pain medications will probably be recommended at the minimum. Soft tissue swelling might improve better with anti-inflammatory medications. Good luck.

I'd be concerned about Mr Cuddles in that he may have injured his leg causing him to drag it, or he could have injured his back or hips. Given that he only has three legs, it's important that he remaining legs work well so a vet visit is definitely recommended. I would take him into one first thing in the morning. Tonight, keep him indoors if he's allowed outside, and I'd keep him confined to a small room so he's kept as quiet as possible. Do not feed him breakfast in the morning in case the vet needs to sedate him to do x-rays. I hope this helps!

Keeping things easy for Jazzy to get to, removing him to a hospital tank if there are other turtles present, and monitoring the leg is best until you can get to the vet. This will help keep him eating and drinking as needed and can prevent further injury or being picked on by tank mates. Hope Jazzy gets to feeling better soon!

Nubbins should be examined by an experienced herp veterinarian. Any open wounds are at risk of infection. They wounds should be properly cleaned and antibiotics administered if indicated. Dry docking him is the right thing to do until the wounds heal. He will need to be placed in water for about an hour a day to eat, rehydrate and defecate. Follow the link for a care sheet: http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

I would recommend a veterinary evaluation. Cats often do fine with only 3 legs but there may be another abnormality that could cause pain or problems later on. In some cases it may be recommended to amputate the stump if there are other issues or trauma to leg. Good luck and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Without an image, it is difficult to determine what is going on. Ideally, you should have the turtle physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. He or she may be able to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. In the meantime, maintain pristine water quality and proper environmental parameters. Keep water depth at no more than twice the length of the shell. Provide a UVB light source, filtration and a water heater. Feed a balanced diet including protein (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc), fresh greens and vegetables and commercial pellets. You can review slider care at the links below. (Yes, they say Red Eared Slider, but care for Yellow Bellied Sliders is the same). http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html