Drowning

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Hobbyists frequently house small or juvenile water turtles within

enclosures containing water that is too deep or within enclosures

that are in some other way hazardous.  All water turtles should

be provided with a resting and basking area.  Otherwise

exhaustion and drowning may result.  Juvenile water turtles often

become trapped under plants and rocks or behind filters, and

drown.  All such environmental hazards must be removed or

corrected.



Emergency measures may save some drowning victims because a

turtle's heart will continue to beat for many hours after the

animal appears to have died.  Treatment for drowning involves

holding the turtle with its head toward the ground and its back

legs elevated, and moving its legs to force water from its

lungs.  Mouth-to-nose artificial respiration may also be used.

If the turtle can be successfully revived, antibiotics and

appropriate supportive care are necessary until the turtle has

recovered.