In
addition to common internal and external parasites, there
are parasites that live in the red blood cells of turtles.
They will also infect and make their homes in a turtle's plasma.
The parasites that infect the blood of turtles are almost
the same as the ones that can cause malaria in humans.
Turtles which are already ill are
in the most harm as that is when blood parasites are able
to cause the most damage to their already weakened immune
system. Nutritional
deficiencies already present in turtles makes it the easiest
for blood parasites to inflict their damage.
A blood test is
usually required to detect these types of parasites.
The results will clearly indicate as to whether there is a
parasite present in your turtles blood or if something else
may be wrong with it. Treatment of this type of a disease
in your turtle must be done right away although treatment
may not always be possible. Therefore, seeking veterinarian
advice as soon as possible is necessary for your turtle.
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