Constipation, Diarrhea, and Paralysis of Hindlegs

Most constipation and diarrhea in turtles is diet-related. 
The condition is easily noticed in box turtles and tortoises,
harder to recognize in water turtles. The sooner the problem
is addressed, the easier it is to remedy, and the less likely
there are going to be complications.


Constipation
------------

Feeding a diet that is inappropriate for the species can
cause constipation, as for example feeding a diet that
is too high in protein, low in fiber and other roughage, 
and foods that are too refined.  

If the constipation is recent (measured in days), you
can try and remedy it by changing the diet. Review the
diet of your turtle and make sure it is the recommended
diet for the species you have. Adjust the diet and see
whether there is improvement.

Dehydration can cause constipation in box turtles. 
Soak your box turtle daily for 1/2 hour in lukewarm
water in a shallow container (about 1/3 shell height).
Once the problem resolves, soak weekly. Review housing
for the box turtle and make sure there is access to
soaking water at all times in a setting where the turtle
uses it, and adjust the humidity of the substrate and
environment if nesseary (see box turtle care information).

You can also try to dip some piecs of food into mineral
oil and feed it to the turtle. It is also OK to give
small amounts of milk of magnesia. This can be given
by soaking the turtle in water to which a good swig of
milk of magnesia has been added. Do not feed anything
else if you do this. Do not repeat if unsuccessful.
If you are not comfortable or don't
know what I am talking about, don't do this.

Constipation can also be caused by ingested rocks, 
intestinal obstructions of several kinds, intestinal
torsion (the intestines in turtles are not attached like
human intestines, so rolling the around can twist around
the intestines), egg binding, bladder stones, and tumors.

If changing the diet does not resolve the constipation
within a day or two, the animal must be examined by a
veterinarian. Exams can include X-Rays and fecal exams.


Diarrhea
--------

Feeding a diet that is inappropriate for the species can
cause diarrhea as for example feeding a diet that contains
too much fruit. Feeding fish to box turtles causes diarrhea.
(Feeding fish to American Box Turtles is not recommended.)
Parasite infection also can cause diarrhea. 

If your turtle has diarrhea, it is recommended that you
also have a fecal exam done by a veterinarian.  

Diarrhea dehydrates, so if you have a box turtle with
diarrhea, I recommend daily soaks for 1/2 hour in 
a small container with a bit of warm water until the
condition resolves.

For recent diarrhea (measured in days), you can try and 
remedy it by changing the diet. Review the diet
of your turtle and make sure it is the recommended
diet for the species you have. Adjust the diet and see whether
there is impdrovement. Make sure the turtle is well hydrated.

If changing the diet does not resolve the constipation
within a day or two, the animal must be examined by a
veterinarian. Exams can fecal exams.



Leg Dragging and Other Symptoms
===============================

Sometimes a turtle with severe constipation or an intestinal obstruction will
start dragging its hindlegs. 

Often, a constipated turtle will stop eating and become listless and sluggish.

In box turtles it can take weeks before the condition becomes apparent. It is
a good idea to check for stools. Turtles should defecate at least every other
day (if fed every other day), or daily (if fed every day).


Paralysis of Hindlegs
=====================

I am not a veterinarian, but here is what I know. Usually, paralysis of
the hindlegs is caused by intestinal impaction, which can be diagnosed
by taking an X-ray of the turtle. Treatment ranges from laxatives to
possibly surgery. It is possible that a small amount of stool can still
be passed.

Impaction can be caused by rocks, accumulated and hardened fecal matter,
or other objects.

Tumors and bladder stones can also prevent the passing of feces once
they get large.

Another cause can be that, if the turtle is a female, she is egg-bound.
Again, X-rays are used for a diagnosis.
Sometimes it is possible to crush or aspire the eggs inside the body, and
this will allow them to be passed. I have never observed this procedure, so
don't exactly know how it is done.