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Turtle Veterinary Care

Turtles are becoming increasingly popular as pets thanks to their fascinating behaviours, long lifespans, and unique personalities. However, their care requirements are quite different from more traditional pets, and they can be surprisingly complex to look after properly. From water quality and substrate to diet and temperature, turtles require a carefully maintained environment and regular health check-ups with an experienced turtle vet to maintain good health.

At The Unusual Pet Vets, we offer dedicated veterinary care for turtles, helping them live healthy and happy lives. Our experienced turtle vets understand the unique needs of these fascinating reptiles and regularly cares for a variety of species, including both long-necked (Chelodina spp) and short-necked (Emydura and Elseya spp) Australian turtles.

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Our turtle services

Our Turtle Vet Services

We offer a range of services tailored specifically for turtles:

  • General Health Check-ups: Regular assessments from a turtle vet to monitor your turtle’s well-being, including diet, lighting, habitat, and overall condition.
  • Advanced Diagnostics: Access to in-house X-rays, ultrasound, and other tools to investigate illness or injury.
  • Surgical Procedures: We perform both soft tissue and orthopaedic surgeries, and shell repairs when needed, with great care.
  • Behavioural Consultations: Helping to identify and resolve abnormal behaviours that could be signs of underlying health or husbandry issues.
  • Sexing Services: We can help determine the sex of your turtle, whether for breeding or general interest.

PaddleStart Package

Our PaddleStart Package is ideal for new turtle owners or those seeking to refine their turtle care. It includes a comprehensive health check from a turtle vet and guidance on everything from diet and lighting to tank setup. It’s peace of mind, right from the start.

PaddleStart Package
Dr Hollyand turtle vet

Regardless of the Type, Each Turtle is Best Treated by a Trusted Turtle Veterinarian With in-depth Knowledge of Turtle Medicine.

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When Should You Take Your Pet Turtle to a Turtle Vet?

It is not looking alert, not active and tongue is not moving

Eyes and mouth aren’t clear

It is moving around the enclosure with an open mouth

It is not breathing normally

It is struggling to shed (usually snakes shed all in one go but if it is shedding in little pieces there may be a problem)

It is not eating regularly or omitting a foul odour when it opens its mouth

You notice any skin wounds or lumps

Turtle Care Resources

We provide detailed care sheets to help you create the optimal environment for your turtle. Our resources cover enclosure setups, dietary needs, and general husbandry practices. These guidelines apply to the main species of turtles commonly kept in captivity in Australia.

Reptile Quarantine
Turtle paddle start package

FAQs

How often should my turtle see a vet?
Turtles should have a veterinary health check at least once a year. These visits allow us to assess shell integrity, body condition, weight changes, skin health, eyes and breathing. We also review diet, water quality and enclosure setup, as husbandry issues are a major contributor to turtle health problems.
Diet varies by species but typically includes a combination of high-quality commercial turtle pellets, leafy greens, vegetables and appropriate protein sources. An unbalanced diet is a common cause of shell deformities, poor growth and metabolic disease. We can help tailor a feeding plan specific to your turtle’s species, age and environment.
A soft or flexible shell often indicates calcium deficiency, inadequate UVB lighting or poor dietary balance. This condition can progress to metabolic bone disease if not treated early. Veterinary assessment allows us to identify the cause and correct diet and lighting before permanent shell damage occurs.
Signs of illness may include swollen or closed eyes, nasal discharge, lethargy, reduced appetite, abnormal swimming or buoyancy issues, shell discolouration, soft spots on the shell or diarrhoea. Turtles often hide illness, so even mild changes should prompt a vet visit.
Yes. UVB lighting and an appropriate basking area are essential for calcium absorption, shell strength and immune function. Without correct lighting and heat, turtles are at high risk of metabolic and shell disease. We can assess your lighting setup and recommend correct bulb types and replacement schedules.
Yes. Respiratory infections are common and often associated with low water temperatures, poor basking access or stress. Signs may include wheezing, open-mouth breathing, nasal discharge and reduced activity. Early treatment improves outcomes and reduces the risk of chronic disease.
Water quality is critical. Poor water hygiene can lead to shell rot, skin infections, eye problems and systemic illness. Regular water changes, proper filtration and correct water temperature all play a role. We can provide guidance on maintaining a clean and healthy aquatic environment.
Loss of appetite may be caused by incorrect water temperature, poor lighting, stress, parasites or illness. Seasonal changes can also affect appetite, but prolonged refusal to eat should always be assessed by a vet.
Often yes. Sex can sometimes be determined based on tail length, claw size or shell shape, though some species require closer examination. Knowing your turtle’s sex is useful for breeding, social housing and long-term care planning.
A soft body, lightweight shell or visible shell deformities can indicate serious nutritional or metabolic disease. Prompt veterinary assessment allows us to address diet, lighting and husbandry issues early and prevent further deterioration.