Home

>

Reptile

>

How to tell if my turtles shell is rotten or not

How to tell if my turtles shell is rotten or not

Updated On November 25th, 2017

Pet's info: Exotic | Unknown - Exotic | 0.05 lbs

Image profile

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

Shell rot can present as pitting, bleeding or redness. You may see peeling or uneven scutes and there could be an odor. The shell may also be soft. Poor water quality, nutritional deficiency and a lack of UVB lighting can all contribute or complicate the condition. See your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles if you suspect your turtle has shell rot.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

See More Answers

Related Questions

left image

I’m looking for advice with my 18 month old female Crested Gecko. This dark spot on her tail appeared after we came back from a vacation. Is this tail rot? Should I see an exotic vet or is there at home treatment I can provide?

Hello, thank you for using Boop by Petco. The end of the tail looks to be a healing injury to me. The tissue does not look necrotic (dead). I think you can try to treat it at home with this product: ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-small-animal-topical-spray ) Use as directed on the label. If after a week or so, it is not improved or if it looks worse at any time then take Autum to an exotics vet for evaluation. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Read More

I got my tortoise 2 months ago and I've been trying to find a vet ever since. Which has been difficult in my area. He is a horsefeild tortoise and has cracks in his shell and on his plastron. I want to know how heal them and are they from injury or parasites??

Hello, thank you for using Boop by Petco. The damage to the plastron is most likely from either trauma or infection. I have never seen something like this due to parasites. You should really try to find a local veterinarian to examine him as he likely needs more in depth treatment than what you can provide at home with over the counter remedies. You may need to travel towards Green Bay in order to find a reptile veterinarian. I found a few in that area. Here is one of them: ( https://countrycareac.com/search-animal-reptiles/ ) ( https://countrycareac.com/medical-surgical/medical-surgical-reptiles/ ) While you are waiting to get him an appointment you can try using this spray on the affected areas once or twice daily: ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/microcyn-manna-pro-ahwound-and-skin-care-spray-for-all-animals ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Read More

what are these spots on my new baby painted eastern turtle?

Those uneven pitted spots may be shell rot. Cleaning the shell with an old toothbrush, and then applying betadine antiseptic (available at your local pharmacy) and then letting your turtle’s shell dry for a period of time…and the reapplying daily for several weeks is a standard treatment. Painted turtles are semi aquatic and should have an area of dry land in their enclosure where they can bask. Best wishes!

Read More

Hi, I have a male adult Mississippi Map, whose carapace is around 5 inches. We have a 70-gallon tank at home, but we are going on a vacation for three weeks and will leave him in a local pet shop for boarding. The shop only allows a 20-gallon tank. Would it be okay for my turtle to be in a 20-gallon tank for a few weeks?

That would ultimately depend on how clean they intend to keep it and if they plan to feed in the same tank. Small tanks especially for turtles that are notoriously filthy animals can become rife with toxins quickly. They'd have to do water changes extremely frequently for it to be guaranteed safe. If they aren't guaranteeing that, I'd make alternate arrangements.

Read More

I have been using a plant mister bottle to spray my cat because he cries and scratches doors early in the morning. However, I used to keep a cutting of a snake plant in the mister a while ago and I don't think I ever cleaned it out properly. Now I'm terrified that he's going to get sick from the toxins of the plant somehow getting into the water.

Snake plants contain toxins called saponins that can cause nausea and diarrhea if eaten. The possible small amount in a previously used water bottle is unlikely to cause harm, especially if you haven't seen any clinical signs. I would wash out the mister before using it again.

Read More

Hi, My 2 year old female corn snake has been like this for the last month, any ideas what it could be ?

The swelling may be due to trauma, tumor, infection or even constipation if the swelling is before her vent. Ideally, a physical exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles would be recommended to reach a definitive diagnosis. Any treatment will depend on the diagnosis.

Read More

right image
image

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored