Terrapin Very Sick - Did not retract his *****

[ryath]

Hi,
I have 3 terrapins for over 3 years. They have been very healthy and active, and even aggressive all these while.

Last friday, when I was feeding them - I noticed that 1 of them (John) had a extra 'tail' and I got very worried. After observing it for a while, I saw that one of the other terrapin tried to nib at it. I got worried so I isolated the guy with the extra 'tail'. It appears to look like his *****. Please see attached photo.

I have kept John isolated for 3 days - and he did not eat during these 3 days and appears to be lethargic. The extra 'tail' appears to be limb and just 'dangles' there. He did not seem to be making any effort to retract it.

I then placed him back with the other 2 terrapins to observe if he will behave differently - the other 2 just seem to leave him alone and he kept to himself in the corner but I noticed that he did try to use his tail to 'tuck' in the extra 'tail'.

However, this morning when I clean the tank and took him up to observe his extra 'tail', it (the extra tail) appears to be 'breaking' away.

I am very worried and do not know what I should be doing. Especially since he had not had food for the 4th day in a row.

Please advise.

Thank you.

[Pet Care Consultant]

Hi Ryath,

Based on the pictures you've posted, this can be a sign of an organ prolapse, immediate veterinary medical attention is highly required. We suggest this, to avoid further complications as well as possible infections.

For the time being, please separate the affected terrapin from that of the remaining terrapins that you have. Provide good quality food and minimizing or limiting their access to terrarium water is important to hasten healing process.

Warm regards,

Eliezer M. Bauzon, DVM RN