What causes a penile prolapse in a turtle?

There are two types of prolapses: Intestinal and penile. This is most often, but not always, caused by ingested gravel. The gravel is eaten and when pushed to exit the turtle’s system, it becomes lodged in the intestinal tract and, when forced out by the turtle, it exits the body bringing the intestinal tract out with it.

What kind of worms are in a turtle’s tank?

It is not uncommon to notice what appear to be tiny black worms in the turtle’s tank. These wriggly little worms may look nasty but they generally cause your turtle no harm. They are most likely insect larva and can be found in stagnant puddles as well.

What to do if your turtle has a blockage in its digestive tract?

Additionally, blockage can occur when your turtles eat to many indigestible foods such as shell or bones or from internal parasites. You can try to treat a gut impaction by adding salad oil or vitamin E oil into your turtle’s food to help lube up its digestive tract. Also, soak them several time a day to encourage them to go to the bathroom.

What kind of infections can African sideneck turtles get?

Parasitic infections are usually discovered during an exam by a reptile veterinarian. African sideneck turtles also are prone to vitamin A deficiency. Signs of this can include swelling and pus around the eyes. Plus, like most reptiles, African sideneck turtles are predisposed to respiratory infections.

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.

Additionally, blockage can occur when your turtles eat to many indigestible foods such as shell or bones or from internal parasites. You can try to treat a gut impaction by adding salad oil or vitamin E oil into your turtle’s food to help lube up its digestive tract. Also, soak them several time a day to encourage them to go to the bathroom.

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.

Why do turtles get constipated when they eat off the substrate?

Impaction is similar to constipation but is much more serious. When a turtle eats off the substrate floor and not on a flat rock, it might ingest sand and dirt which can cause blockage. Additionally, blockage can occur when your turtles eat to many indigestible foods such as shell or bones or from internal parasites.