Deformed shell

I live in Arkansas and we are flooding( houses and buisnesses completely underwater). My house is high ground and has become the unofficial turtle sanctuary. (Keeping track of where all animals were found so we can put them back after flooding.) This guy made his way here. He actually was found flipped on his back at the bottom of a levy before the water got super high. He obviously has shell deformities but he also doesn't use his back legs. He seems to be able to feel them but drags himself everywhere. I'm guessing trying to make it up the levy without using his back legs is what caused him to flip.

My question is anything we can do for him in the meantime or what to look for or any idea why he might not be using his back legs?

Vets in the area are overwhelmed with taking in animals of those who have been effected by the flooding. Plus he's a big guy so obviously not struggling that much but I'd like to help if y'all have any suggestions.

Hhhmmm. Not much you can really do regarding the shell deformity. Sorry to see and hear about all of the flooding. Id let all the turtles go back soonest.

Maro2Bear said:

Hhhmmm. Not much you can really do regarding the shell deformity. Sorry to see and hear about all of the flooding. Id let all the turtles go back soonest.

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Thanks, I'm more concerned about his back legs..its strange..The river is suppose to crest the next few days and will go down over the next month. Most will go home in the next 2 weeks but I'm trying to put them back where they were so it varies.

There can be so many reasons for the shell deformity. It could also be a birth defect the moment it hatched.

Could you post a video of him trying to walk? You have to upload it to YouTube, then post us a link to it.

What makes you believe he can feel his legs? Does he try to pull them in when you touch them?

I doubt if I personally will be able to help you, but someone else might if they see the problem.

He has been released. Thanks for the suggestion.