Can box turtles get shell rot?
Conclusion. Shell rot is a common and sometimes severe condition in box turtles. With careful observation of your turtle’s appearance and behavior regularly, shell rot should be spotted and treated before it becomes too severe.
Why is my turtle shell rotting?
Shell rot is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection that can come from water in a turtle tank that is not kept clean. The best way to prevent shell rot is really to keep your turtle’s tank clean. Invest in a good turtle filter, maintain good water quality, and change part of the water every week.
How do you get rid of turtle shell rot?
Antibiotic cover is essentially in severe shell rot cases or if the shell has been fractured. Topical antibiotics such as silver sulfazadine cream applied daily can be enough for many cases. If they need systemic treatment as well I generally use ceftazadine injection.
How do you know if Shell rot is healing?
The shell is healed when it is free of discharge and odor, and is “smooth” (irregular scars may remain for life).
How can you tell if a tortoise has shell rot?
There are many symptoms that you will see if your tortoise or turtle has shell rot. For starters, you can usually see the cracks in their shell . These cracks will progress to a moth-eaten white appearance. You will then start to notice that their shell does not look even.
Why do box turtles have a flaking shell?
This Malayan box turtle (Cuora amboinensis) was turned over to a pet store when the owner grew tired of it. An aquatic species, it had been kept in dry conditions for an extended period of time and had a flaking shell condition common to that species. The flaking shell allowed bacteria to move in under several damaged laminae.
Why does my red eared slider turtle have shell rot?
Shell breakage should be treated on the spot or as soon as you notice it. Another issue, and perhaps the most common cause of shell rot in red eared sliders, is dirty water. A buildup of feces, dead bugs, and other debris starts to make the water unsafe for turtles to swim in. You should always have a proper water filter installed on the tank.
When to take a turtle to the vet for shell rot?
As long as the shell rot is found quickly, it can be treated by the owner but no one should home medicate for longer than a week; if the condition persists or does not show improvement quite quickly, the vet should be called. There is a slight variation in the care given to turtles as opposed to tortoises, because of their different habitats.
Why does my box turtle have white spots on its shell?
Bacterial infections cause a wet rot and fungal infections cause a white rot. Most cases of shell rot occur in aquatic species but land species of box turtles and tortoises can also get it. The signs of wet rot include: a spotted discolored shell that is soft which may or not smell rotten.
There are many symptoms that you will see if your tortoise or turtle has shell rot. For starters, you can usually see the cracks in their shell . These cracks will progress to a moth-eaten white appearance. You will then start to notice that their shell does not look even.
Why is my red eared slider turtle dying?
These harmful cuts are another cause of shell rot if left untreated. Whether the shell rot comes from a broken shell, a fight between two turtles, or dirty water, it needs to be treated. Red-eared sliders can die within days of getting a serious case of shell rot.
What does it look like when a turtle has mouth rot?
Mouth rot or Necrotic Stomatitis is often caused when a long term illness allows opportunistic bacterial or fungal infections to infect the mouth of your turtle. This can look like the following: cheesy white growths, pus and dead tissues, red and black blisters on the tongue or palate of the mouth.
How do you get rid of shell rot?
Use your mild soap and a warm toothbrush to softly scrub any areas with shell rot. Your goal is to remove any dirt, algae, etc. that could be covering some of the bacteria, as dirt and algae aren’t actually going to ever harm your turtle. Once scrubbed, rinse off all of the soap with water.
How do you get rid of a fungal infection on a turtle shell?
Chelonians with fungal infections of the shell can be treated by local debridement and topical application of Lugol solution or povidone-iodine. Exposure to ultraviolet light also may be beneficial.
