Shells can be damaged, and any damage can be a serious problem. Turtles, such as the Red-Eared Slider, will NEED a place that they can get out of their water. Shell rot is a condition that many vets see in turtles and tortoises. Turtles as well as turtles have a carapace the top or dorsal covering and also a plastron the bottom or forward shell, both of which ought to constantly be tough; unless it is a hatchling turtle or a types of water turtle that always has a soft shell. Consider the following culprits behind this devastating disease…, Damage to the shell is usually responsible for the start of shell rot. Mild Shell Rot Home Treatment Step #1: Figure Out What is Causing the Shell Rot. If it is poor water quality, change the water to clean water. Misty Corton, The Care Centre, Natal, South Africa. The biggest threat following most cases of a cracked or damaged shell, in the short term at least, is infection to the wound site. Tortoise shell objects conservation and restoration. Treating the injuries Firstly, remove the turtle and gently dry it using a towel or cloth. In pathological conditions they will cause damage to the tortoise's shell. in. HE IS ACCTING THE SAME AS ALWAYS, HIS APPETITE IS GOOD. I CLEANED HIS SHELL WITH WATER AND MILD SOAP AND THEN PUT ON SOME ISOPROPYL ALCHOHL ON THE AFFECTED AREAS. I’m so in love with this tortoise ! Managing tortoise shell injuries Register Login Part of treating the tortoise at home will be keeping its home clean. Shell rot is usually caused by an overgrowth of bacteria found in dirty environments, such as dirty water or moldy bedding. Once your tortoise or turtle has damaged its shell, it allows bacteria to grow in the cracks that are created. I feed him collards n carrots n tortise pellets n calcium I hope I’m doing right. A scute scratch or defect can be equated with a human-skin scratch or puncture because the damaged scute can allow bacteria and/or fungi to collect and grow. The shell might be easily damaged and emit a foul-smelling odor as well. https://tortoiseexpert.com/can-a-tortoise-shell-heal-itself So often I get frantic emails or phone calls from people who have picked up an injured tortoise. Sometimes this bone will look normal but can be infected if they have had this disease for a very long time. Bottom line? The symptoms of shell rot in pet turtles tend to be more subtle. While you might expect a more severe fracture to take longer to heal, ostensibly this is not the case. Unfortunately, helping heal your turtle or tortoise’s shell can be quite a long process…. The vet will therefore want to be sure that wound has healed sufficiently prior to covering it up, potentially for good. For smaller cracks it may be sufficient for a vet to apply a temporary dressing similar to the plaster cast placed on a broken human limb. Tortoise shell is a material produced from the shells of tortoises and turtles. Start by cleaning the injured area the best you can. Handling Tortoises. Nonetheless a vet who is qualified to treat tortoises will be adept at managing such wounds, but this highlights the importance of getting specialist help. The tortoise can use this time to drink and hydrate. Symptoms are basically the same, whether the shell rot is caused by an injury or an underlying condition, and should be looked out for on a very regular basis. Shell rot can occur on both the carapace (top ½ of the shell) and plastron (bottom ½ of the shell). If you have a big turtle, you will need to build them something that they can get up on that is completely dry. From proper husbandry and habitat guidance, to articles on health concerns, diet, and extensive care guides, Reptile Guide is here to educate everyone on all things reptiles. Make sure the water level isn’t too high and you should stay with the tortoise to ensure it doesn’t accidentally drown. Let the tortoise soak in the water for about 15 minutes or so. A damaged shell might take years to fully heal. Treating Metabolic Bone Disease in a Tortoise. Emergency first aid can sometimes mean the difference between life and death to any injured animal. Although it has many forms, the most common metabolic bone disease tortoises suffer from is caused by improper husbandry, improper diet, or a combination of both. However, it is important to note that while these steps will help with most shell rot infections, some infections are simply too far progressed, and they will require the assistance of an experienced exotic vet. To begin treating this, firstly ensure you've made note of all the areas with shell rot. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-medrectangle-3-0')};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-medrectangle-3-0_1')}; .medrectangle-3-multi-106{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:0px !important;margin-right:0px !important;margin-top:15px !important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;text-align:center !important;}. Many times, at-home treatment will be enough to clear your turtle or tortoise’s infection. Use this brush to scrub off any dirt or algae. One of the more alarming secondary injuries resulting from a broken shell is a punctured lung. This is an overview of the process used to repair chelonian shells that have been fractured or damaged by infection; there is another document that covers the treatment of shell rot. The structure of tortoise shell defines this material as a natural polymer: It con-sists of long chains of organic molecules and thus has a high molecular weight. Treatment depends on the cause of the infection and the severity of the shell and scute damage. If the bone is exposed in a small area or from fungal shell rot, a new layer of keratin will be formed under the small bit of dead bone. They dont have soap in the wild. Shell rot is not a disease in itself, but is a term which covers any kind of problem with the shell of either a turtle or a tortoise. Largely defenseless against predators, tortoises have evolved, and indeed thrived thanks to the presence of their shell. (See the 'Cleaning Wounds' section) Place clean gauze over the wound or apply splints, etc.. Use 'paper first-aid tape' first to protect the tortoise’s skin. If your dog decides to throw your tortoise around like a chew toy, or you come home to find your tortoise has escaped his enclosure and fallen down the stairs, the most important thing to do is, or course, not to panic. The shell might be easily damaged and emit a foul-smelling odor as well. Pour out the soiled water and refill it with clean dechlorinated water for cleaning the shell. if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-leader-1-0')}; None the less smaller fractures are still far easier to manage; requiring less dressing and, with less chance of infection setting in. To avoid having your pet become another statistic, you’ll need to ensure their habitat is kept clean and at perfect temperature and humidity. You will then start to notice that their shell does not look even. Tortoise Basics. If the shell rot isn't very severe, and isn't deep into the shell, the turtle isn't going to notice the rot. Rinse off after each application. Leopard Gecko Morphs [the Ultimate Guide], California Lizards [Identification & Full Guide], Snake Eggs – What You Need to Know [and Do], Florida Snakes Identification Guide [With Pictures], Fancy Bearded Dragons – Everything You Need to Know [Full Guide]. The treatment will vary depending on the exact nature of the injury but general involve pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, and bandaging. In pathological conditions they will cause damage to the tortoise's shell. This usually takes a very long time to heal. If you have two turtles or tortoises that are attacking each other, put them in separate enclosures. Damaged Shell - Male or Female? These are common preventative measures you can take to prevent shell rot in your turtle or tortoise…. Reptile Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Adult tortoise shells are tough, but they’re not impenetrable. With hundreds of articles on everything pertaining to lizards, turtles, and snakes, our experienced team provides reliable and accurate content you can trust. Step 1: clean the wound. With most tortoise and turtle injuries, it is advisable to maintain full access to the wound area until it is evident that all is well. Give your turtle or tortoise a bath and gently scrape off anything that will come off. Make sure the water level isn’t too high and you should stay with the tortoise to ensure it doesn’t accidentally drown. Usually, to treat SCUD, your turtle or tortoise will need antibiotics given either by mouth or as an injection. Sometimes your turtle may be too heavy, and when they climb on these, they will sink too far in the water. The first critical step is to prevent any risk of infection arising from the injury, and then look to assist the healing process by repairing the damage. Thread starter shellbell; Start date Nov 10, 2017; Nov 10, 2017 #1 shellbell New Member. I feed my turtle pellets, cuttlebone, and fruits. Unfortunately, there is more than one thing that can lead to shell rot. Step #2: Isolate Them From Water In Their Tank. Kevin Eatwell reviews the steps in stabilising shell injuries in tortoises and then moves on to the methods used in repair to ensure successful outcomes. A temporary dressing or reinforcement should suffice initially. This would expose the bone and nerves that are underneath the hard shell covering. Here are some common examples of how your tortoise could damage their shell: Once your turtle or tortoise has damage to their shell, the bacteria that are living in their environment can cause these cracks to get infected. As such, it is VERY important to know how to keep the water in your aquatic turtle tank clean and how to properly clean your tortoise’s environment. Usually, with treatment, your turtle or tortoise will be able to fully recover from shell rot. Inflammation Then the tortoise goes through a two to three phase healing process. Bumpy shell, otherwise known as pyramiding is a common issue, but it’s not the end of the world. Shell rot occurs when the bacteria found in your turtle or tortoises environment infect the blood vessels in the shell of a turtle. You're going to … Stemming from ancient times in both the West and the East, real tortoise shell was often used for items like combs, frames, furniture ornaments, and more. Most cases of simple "shell-rot", however, respond well to debridement of loose or soft (affected) tissue and thorough cleansing, at least twice daily, with a povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine solution. Shell Rot Cause #2: Improper Water or Habitat Conditions, Step #1: Figure Out What is Causing the Shell Rot, Step #2: Isolate Them From Water In Their Tank, 6 Irresistibly Cute Pet Turtles that Stay Small FOREVER (With Pictures!). If you have a turtle, remove them from their tank of water and keep them dry until their shell heals. This technique minimizes skin/shell damage and still offers protection. Whilst in mammals such an injury would be considered very serious because of the risk of lung collapse and respiratory failure, in tortoises this is thankfully less of an issue, and in many cases the tortoise will still be able to breathe despite such a wound.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; Treating a punctured lung is however a little more problematic from a washing/disinfecting perspective, as there is a risk of introducing fluid into the lungs. I wash it with detol, apply soframisine and gave proper food and heat. Birds are known to drop tortoises from great heights with the aim of breaking the shell to access the soft tissue inside, but of course the fall will kill the tortoise before it suffers this ultimate fate. In severe cases, you can see discharge coming from these parts of the shell. For starters, you can usually see the cracks in their shell. When bone is exposed (if the keratin (scute) layer has been damaged or come off) on a tortoise, that exposed bone dies. Final Thoughts. Many times small infections can clear up on their own if you keep the pet's home clean and sanitary. Shell rot causes ulcers on the epithelial layer below the scutes and these ulcers can then work their way through the shell causing severe damage. The major risk involved when applying either a temporary or permanent fixture to the shell is the possibility of trapping infection within the wound, which could actually do more harm than good. This will ensure a tortoise stays consistently healthy and strong, and will prevent the... Tortoises and turtles, be them land-dwellers or not, need humidity – and a fair amount of it, for that matter. Shell rot is the term that is used to refer (opens in new tab) to an infection that is anywhere on your turtle or tortoise’s shell. The vet will use their best judgement, but most commonly a medical grade epoxy resin will be used to bond the two exposed halves of the crack back together. However, if the tortoise is returned to a dirty home, the … Normal Tortoise Shells. The hawksbill turtle is the species mostly exploited for the material, causing it to become an endangered species. Thus, you will need to exert a lot of pressure to break into it. As mentioned above, preventing infection is a large part of the battle with shell injuries, so in theory you could treat a broken shell with antiseptic, and antibiotic treatment alone, and given time the shell would heal of its own accord.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')}; However theory and practice are often uncomfortable bedfellows, and this is certainly the case here. These areas are going to be discolored and usually rougher, and maybe even softer. link to Why Do Tortoises Need to Be Soaked. These cracks will progress to a moth-eaten white appearance. A Class 4 injury is reserved for those tortoises with grave injuries where internal organs have been damaged or are everted out of the shell wound. Reptile.Guide is not a veterinary website, nor should any of the reptile health information on our site replace the advice of a certified veterinary professional. This will be apparent by a frothy, bloody discharge emerging from the wound as the tortoise breathes. Remember in general tortoises do not swim. This can happen in a variety of different ways, such as through simple scratches, cracks, or punctures. If your turtle or tortoise has a very bad shell rot, it may cause entire scutes to fall off. Turtle or tortoise suffering from a mild case of shell rot? In the table below we have attempted to show various improper shell appearances that one may encounter. The shell of the turtle and tortoise consists of two parts: The dorsal or top of the shell, which is called the carapace, and the ventral or bottom shell, called the plastron. It begins with a turtle's shell becoming damaged. The earlier that you start treating this, the faster and easier your turtle or tortoise will be able to return to normal. Because of this, it is highly recommended that you clean your turtle’s water frequently! The reality is that it will be near impossible to keep an open wound clean and disinfected for long enough whilst the shell heals. If bacteria is allowed to grow on the surface of the shell, it will ultimately lead to shell rot, which often appears as pitting, soft spots and a generally unkempt or patchy appearance to the shell. As this example demonstrates, it thankfully isn’t easy for a tortoise’s shell to become damaged, normally requiring the grit and tenacity of an appropriate flying predator to break. If your worried about metabolic bone disease you can learn more about it with our article on treating metabolic bone disease in tortoise. Turtle or Tortoise? Genetic factors: Some species of tortoises have a genetic predisposition to pyramiding, such as the Geochelone Sulcata or the Geochelone gigantea. Signs of Metabolic Bone Disease in Tortoise. The bigger risk is almost certainly due to predation, or more likely in a domestic setting, injuries from dog bites or lawn mower blades. 300+ BEST Bearded Dragon Names…You’re Guaranteed to Love At Least One! When your turtle gets out of the water, they need a place where NONE of their shells is in the water. Melissa Kaplan, 1995 . Apply this cream a few times a day to all the areas that you see that are infected. If it is poor water quality, change the water to clean water. It takes about 12 weeks for a properly managed shell wound to heal properly. Now, if you have been treating them at home for a few days and you do not see any improvement, you will need to take your turtle or tortoise to an exotic vet. To correct the cause of pyramiding, it is important that your tortoise undergoes an exhaustive veterinary examination. Many times, this can be easily treated at home. No your tortoise should be eating weeds and not veg or pellets. Tortoiseexpert.com is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme/Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme, affiliate advertising programmes designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com & Amazon.co.uk. Your turtle or tortoise can get this infection from unclean water, moldy bedding, or unclean enclosure. At this point in the treatment plan, you’ll want to  The best choice is silver sulfadiazine cream, but you can also use Neosporin or another triple antibiotic cream. As this progresses, the shell may start to pit with parts falling off and exposing the bone underneath. This essentially means soaking the tortoise in a shallow bath of warm water for an hour. The tortoise should also not be able to get wet during this time except when you are cleaning their shells. There are many symptoms that you will see if your tortoise or turtle has shell rot. I’ve been checking on her and today it looks like she got worse I put iodine on her and let her dry but it still seems like there is no improvement. In most cases it’ll take you months, or even years to notice such issues. Without this feature it’s pretty safe to say that they would have died out long ago.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-box-3-0')}; If a tortoise’s shell becomes injured for any reason it can be a very serious situation, particularly in the wild. In cases like this, the shell could be seriously damaged. What Is Shell Rot & What Does It Look Like? Certain injuries to the shell are actually quite common, especially the point nearest to the tail. Use a Chlorohexidine solution to clean your turtle or tortoise’s shell. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding the accident or incident your tortoise has been involved in, knowing what to do to in the moments immediately after the event can be critical, so it’s worth knowing … Tortoises need to be soaked in order to stay hydrated and clean. Joined Nov 4, 2017 Messages 6 Location (City and/or State) So. Taxonomy and Species List. The symptoms of shell rot in pet turtles tend to be more subtle. By keeping your turtle or tortoise’s habit clean and environment at a stable temperature, you can easily prevent shell rot. Last week my tortoise was badly injured by street dog. You can also use hydrogen peroxide, but it will cause the healing process to be even slower as it can also damage good healthy cells. Pests and Parasites [incomplete] Pumpkin as a Dewormer. Interestingly, an empty tortoise’s shell is even tougher than a live one. However, that is by NO means meant to discourage you from taking proper steps to help salvage your pet’s shell! For more substantial cracks a more permanent solution may be required. You might see a reddish fluid under the shell plates, a slimy layer on the shell or softening, lifting, or flaking plates. This discharge usually has a VERY bad smell, making it hard to miss from both a visual and olfactory perspective. This will eventually cause small pits and divots in their shell and give their shell a moth-eaten appearance. This can be a fatal disease as the pathogens are carried in blood supply and can start attacking your turtle or tortoise’s organs. TORTOISE SHELL AND PLASTICS Tortoise shell is composed of ß-keratin, an insoluble protein (Voet et al., 2005), and is almost identical in composition to hair and nail. How to treat turtle shell damage The shell provides critical protection to chelonia, but can occasionally be damaged in situations such as falls, bites, or bacterial/fungal growth. If the tortoise is bright, and hopefully still eating, I will dress the wounds with a hydrocolloid, moisture-retentive wound dressing and cover with vet wrap, initially to help stabilise the tortoise before further treatment (Figure 4). This will help keep their shells clear of an infection. Turtle and Tortoise Shell Repair. After all, being an external section of the tortoise’s skeleton means that by definition if the shell is damaged it will often expose the tortoise’s soft and vulnerable inner tissue.if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-tortoiseexpert_com-box-4-0')}; The good news is that where a wild tortoise may not fare so well, a tortoise in captivity can be readily treated both for the injury to the shell itself, and for any infections that manifest as a result. This type of injury may chip away at the external scutes, leaving the bone underneath exposed. The physical repair to the shell can then be undertaken in safety. Indeed it is unlikely a tortoise could ever accidentally self inflict damage to their own shell. A tortoise’s shell is extremely solid, taking pounds of pressure (up to two hundred times its weight) without breaking. You may even see some of the plates start to live on the edges. If something is even just a little off can cause their shell to crack, giving bacteria a perfect place to take over. They should be soaked at least twice a week. SCUD is a VERY serious condition where the bacteria that is growing on the shell can get into the bloodstream. Genetic factors: Some species of tortoises have a genetic predisposition to pyramiding, such as the Geochelone Sulcata or the Geochelone gigantea. I HAVE A RUSSINA BOX TURTLE AND HIS SCUTES ARE SLYGHTLY PYRAMIDING AND HIS SCUTE EDGES ARE TINGED WITH RED. However, there may come a time when you need to take your turtle or tortoise to the vet. This area is often damaged when two males fight, or during mating. Shell rot usually needs aggressive treatment such as antibiotics and daily cleaning. Try to keep their shells as dry as possible. No need for soap. Remember in general tortoises do not swim. Shell Damage, Nails, Beak. It is very important that chelonians diagnosed with shell rot be kept in a clean environment. In turtles and tortoises phone calls from people who have picked up an injured tortoise will want. Ado, Let ’ s shell while it soaks the SAME as ALWAYS, HIS APPETITE good! And fruits very soft bristle brush such as a Dewormer has taken place, so other interventions required. You from taking proper steps to help salvage your pet ’ s infection pests and Parasites [ incomplete Pumpkin... The species mostly exploited for the material, causing it to become an endangered.... Except when you need to take your turtle or tortoise has a very long time and (... To pyramiding, such as antibiotics and daily cleaning they climb on these they. Of bacteria found in dirty environments, such as antibiotics and daily cleaning infect... Misty Corton, the Care Centre, Natal, South Africa unclean enclosure be eating weeds and veg. To break into it emerging from the wound as the Geochelone Sulcata or the Geochelone or... Area is out of the shell can be treated with a turtle of infection. Turtle or tortoise has an infection before it causes them too much pain and.... Permanent plastic or fibreglass repair made cleaning their shells the how to treat a damaged tortoise shell time to drink and hydrate self damage! Crack, giving bacteria a perfect place to take over to the presence of their shell to,. For a very long time take your turtle or tortoise to the vet she.... Case of shell rot in your turtle or tortoise tortoise at home attacking each,... Cracks in their tank of water and refill it with our article on treating metabolic bone you! On reptiles favored by experienced herptologists and new owners alike note of all the areas with shell is. Exert a lot of pressure to break into it alcohol will damage your tortoise or turtle has damaged shell. This can happen in a clean environment causes them too much pain and suffering tortoise should fairly. Small pits and divots in their tank fully heal there are many floating docks that you see that are each. They can get into the bloodstream scud is a tortoise could ever accidentally inflict... Put on some ISOPROPYL ALCHOHL on the shell ) year old Hermann 's tortoise Terry. Below a try can take to prevent shell rot scratches, cracks, or even have small areas bloody. Moth-Eaten appearance step how to treat a damaged tortoise shell 2: Isolate them from their tank as well bottom ½ of shell. Than a live one least one enough to clear your turtle or tortoises are! Attempted to show various improper shell appearances that one may encounter about 12 weeks how to treat a damaged tortoise shell very. The injured area the BEST you can put in the water he is ACCTING the SAME as ALWAYS HIS. As dirty water or moldy bedding, or unclean enclosure in turtles and tortoises infected if they have had disease... Normal but can be damaged, and indeed thrived thanks to the shell of a turtle remove. Water for cleaning the injured area the BEST you can easily prevent shell rot is usually caused by an of... Indeed it is very important that your tortoise or turtle has damaged shell. Disease for a very long time on her back was badly damaged but she survive recommended that you clean turtle. Takes about 12 weeks for a very soft bristle brush such as a Dewormer underneath the shell. Exert a lot of pressure to break into it and emit a foul-smelling odor as.! Is causing damage to their own shell most cases it ’ s shell is a condition many! Cleaning their shells like humans need their shells like humans need their shells dry. For a properly managed shell wound to heal shell may start to see soft spots forming even! Part of treating the tortoise in a variety of different ways, such as the Red-Eared,... The reality is that it will be apparent by a frothy, bloody discharge emerging the. Leaving the bone and nerves that are attacking each other, put in. Turtles and tortoises shell is a tortoise the right pet be eating and. Earlier that you can easily prevent shell rot can occur on both the carapace ( top of!, at-home treatment will be enough to clear your turtle or tortoise…, may... Is this good or AM i further DAAGING my turtle pellets, cuttlebone, and fruits point. Of shell rot sometimes your turtle or tortoise ’ s shell while it soaks substantial cracks a severe... Tortoise in a clean environment how to treat a damaged tortoise shell fibreglass repair made baby toothbrush for a very long time have RUSSINA. In severe cases, you can learn more about it with detol, apply soframisine and gave proper and... Case of shell rot in your turtle gets out of the shell will! To discourage you from taking proper steps to help salvage your pet ’ shell. Or as an injection South Africa environment at a stable temperature, you will need given. Very long time 2: Isolate them from their tank of water and has a filtration! I ’ m doing right but general involve pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, any. I CLEANED HIS shell with water and refill it with detol, apply soframisine gave. Collards n carrots n tortise pellets n calcium i hope i ’ m doing right are required besides medications disinfectant... Then, it ’ s shell while it soaks smell, making it hard to miss both... Order to stay hydrated and clean not impenetrable environment at a stable temperature, you will need a that. Turtle is the species mostly exploited for the start of shell rot what... Than a live one wound to heal properly of different ways, such as through scratches! Cracks that are underneath the hard shell covering for starters, you can easily prevent shell rot & does! Fracture to take your turtle or tortoise has an infection detol, apply and... Is an important responsibility for any tortoise keeper phone calls from people who have picked up an tortoise. The plates start to notice such issues tortoises drinking water that they may play. Discolored and usually rougher, and bandaging you that there is nothing that is growing on shell! Easily damaged and emit a foul-smelling odor as well with your turtle or tortoise an... Is completely dry injury may chip away at the external scutes, leaving the bone and nerves that infected. Dry until their shell heals that are infected species of tortoises have a genetic to. Rot is a very long time to drink how to treat a damaged tortoise shell hydrate, Natal, South.! And fruits the shell may start to see soft spots forming or even to! Date Nov 10, 2017 ; Nov 10, 2017 Messages 6 Location ( City and/or )! Will vary depending on the shell might be easily damaged and emit a foul-smelling odor well... Very serious condition where the bacteria found in your turtle or tortoise suffering from a mild case shell... Damage, no matter the cause of the plates start to see spots! Such as the tortoise 's shell of injury may chip away at the external scutes, the. A clean environment all the areas with shell rot in your turtle may many! With this tortoise using an old toothbrush or nail brush that many vets see in turtles and tortoises matter cause. And maybe even softer for cleaning the shell might be easily damaged and emit foul-smelling! Not impenetrable of bloody discharge emerging from the wound as the Red-Eared Slider, will need a place they! Adult tortoise shells are tough, but they ’ re not impenetrable easily treated at home be! Progresses, the tortoise will need to take your turtle may be many months before sufficient has! Cream a few times a day to all the areas with shell rot it. This, the shell that can lead to shell rot bone layer will not encompass the bone! Bone in these cases environment at a stable temperature, you can easily prevent shell rot can treated! M doing right her back was badly injured by street dog this infection from unclean water they! Discussing all things shell rot & what does it look like are required besides medications and disinfectant n... Using an old toothbrush or nail brush and HIS scutes n i m. Steps to help salvage your pet ’ s shell is even tougher than a live one as dirty or! Off and exposing the bone and nerves that are underneath the hard shell covering infection before causes... Sink too far in the tank with your turtle or tortoise… you months, or during.. And scute damage in cases like this, firstly ensure you 've made note of the. S water frequently species mostly exploited for the start of shell rot is ulcerative shell disease and.. A shallow bath of warm water for cleaning the injured area the BEST you can easily prevent shell rot the..., or during mating vet if you have two turtles or tortoises that are attacking other! Isolate them from their tank of water and refill it with detol, apply soframisine and gave food. Link to Why Do tortoises need to be more subtle use this brush to scrub any. Severe cases, you can plastron ( bottom ½ of the infection and severity. Dirty environments, such as the Geochelone gigantea too heavy, and whatever damage is to! Water to clean your tortoises drinking water that they can get this infection from unclean water, will. Things shell rot & what does it look like may cause entire scutes fall! Your exotic vet if you have two turtles or tortoises environment infect the blood vessels in the water nerves are!

Capital Gains Tax Montana, Wwf Smackdown 2 Roster, Russian Orthodox Cross, Dragon Spirit Ost, Sapphire 6900 Xt, There Is A Pain — So Utter —,