Respiration and head jerking

[McGinley]

I have an American box who this morning I noticed would jerk her head to one side or the other when something passed in front of or alongside her eyes. Also, her respiration concerns me. She's breathing very deeply, kind of bellowing her neck. Here's a video showing both behaviors.

Although I've noticed heavy breathing in the past, I've never ever seen the neck twitch. It just started coming on today.

Thank you. Could anyone tell me whether or not she is sick and that I should be concerned?

 

[zovick]

I have an American box who this morning I noticed would jerk her head to one side or the other when something passed in front of or alongside her eyes. Also, her respiration concerns me. She's breathing very deeply, kind of bellowing her neck. Here's a video showing both behaviors.

Although I've noticed heavy breathing in the past, I've never ever seen the neck twitch. It just started coming on today.

Thank you. Could anyone tell me whether or not she is sick and that I should be concerned?

The breathing looks normal. The neck muscles are being used to help get air into the lungs. This is done because the turtle's rib cage cannot expand and contract to help it breathe. I don't think the head jerking is indicative of any illness, either.

Basically, your turtle looks OK to me.

 

[jeff kushner]

Z is right...nothing wrong with that little guy except he seems angry at you!

Lol