What does dry docking a turtle mean?

What does dry docking a turtle mean?

Dry docking keeps the turtle in a dry area long enough to allow its shell, airways and skin to dry off, and aid recovery. It is also noted for increasing wound recovery time, as constant contact with water can prevent wounds healing as quickly.

How often do you dry dock a turtle?

I generally dry dock turtles with shell fractures or shell rot. For shell rot cases I put them in water four one hour a day to eat and toilet then dry dock them in a soft towel with a small, shallow water bowl for the remainder of the day. It is also important to get these turtles some UV light!

How to care for a debilitated sea turtle?

Debilitated sea turtles are often too weak to be housed in water upon presentation. Instead these patients are maintained on a padded surface or waterbed. If the period of dry docking is prolonged, the skin should be protected with the use of temperature-controlled water spray or the application of topical ointment or lubricant.

What should I do if my redearslider turtle is sore?

If there is soreness, keep the area dry and apply Nolvasan cream or Neosporin and dry dock the turtle afterwards. If the area is still raw after a few days, a visit to the vet will be necessary to clean any wounds appropriately and to check for further infection.

What to do if your turtle has shell rot?

This can indicate a blood infection (septicaemia). Increase the water temperature to aid the turtle’s immune system, and consult a qualified professional for antibiotic treatment. Discolouration of the shell can be a sign of shell rot.

Is it necessary to dry dock a turtle?

The use of UVB light here would also be beneficial for the turtle’s general health, but it is not required for the dry docking procedure. Once an adequate basking temperature has been achieved, the turtle can be dried off and placed in the container.

Can a dog bite a turtle or tortoise?

Dog Bite Wounds in Turtles and Tortoises. A sad fact is that dogs and tortoises are not a predictable mix. The family dog that has never hurt a fly often becomes overwhelmed with an irresistible urge to chew on the tortoise.

What to do with a turtle bite wound?

You may place Telfa™ pads over the wound and hold the pad in place with duct tape but do not completely cover the pads with tape as the wound needs to breathe. Do not put any ointments on or into the wound.

What should I do if my tortoise got bit?

If such an injury occurs, your tortoise will need veterinary care. If you cannot get to us or an emergency clinic right away, please gently clean the wound with a warm wash cloth. If you have povidone iodine (e.g., Betadine™), you may use lukewarm water to dilute it to the color of weak iced tea and gently wash the wound.