Urgent Care :: Shell Problem....can anyone help?

[steve]

Hi hcha, did your turtle have that when you received it? That damage could have come from a bacterial infection or something like shell rot. My main concern would be that the area is healing and that the infection is over.

Since the damage looks like it was severe, there could still be an underlining infection underneath or in the surrounding area. At the very least, that area is susceptible to infection if not closely monitored.

It's usually a good idea to have a herp vet monitor the condition and determine if there should be any treatment options. I agree with megcornell that it looks like is scarring, but you do want to make sure that the infection is gone.

[hcha]

Hi hcha, did your turtle have that when you received it? That damage could have come from a bacterial infection or something like shell rot. My main concern would be that the area is healing and that the infection is over.

Since the damage looks like it was severe, there could still be an underlining infection underneath or in the surrounding area. At the very least, that area is susceptible to infection if not closely monitored.

It's usually a good idea to have a herp vet monitor the condition and determine if there should be any treatment options. I agree with megcornell that it looks like is scarring, but you do want to make sure that the infection is gone.

Hey Steve,

When I first got the turt about 3 months ago, I kinda figure it may not had been in the best condition in the past. I believe it may have suffer shell rot or infection before I've gotten it already, although I could not tell because it looked normal from the outside of the shell but now he's starting to shed and when that piece fell off completely about 2 days ago, thats when I notice that it did not have a nice layer under instead, that was whats under the shed scute.....and I believe that might be the only part of the shell that's damaged as from what i'm noticing, other parts that are starting to shed does not look like that.....

[marisa]

I'd get some Nolvasan (chlorohexidine) from a vet and periodically clean the area to eliminate bacteria and prevent infection. You can get a form of it called Hibiclens at pharmacies like Walgreens (needs to be diluted 50/50 with water), but on the chance you do see a vet, get the Nolvasan.

[steve]

When my turtle didn't shed properly (due to a fungal infection), there was an underlying bacterial infection that formed between the scutes. You should follow marisa's directions above and if there are any soft areas, then I would also dry docking the turtle.

It looks like it is only affected one scute, which is good, but it's hard to know whats going on underneath. A vet visit would be a good idea... get an overall checkup and have that area checked out.

[hcha]

I'd get some Nolvasan (chlorohexidine) from a vet and periodically clean the area to eliminate bacteria and prevent infection. You can get a form of it called Hibiclens at pharmacies like Walgreens (needs to be diluted 50/50 with water), but on the chance you do see a vet, get the Nolvasan.

Marisa,

which nolvasan do you recommend?...The creme, liquid, or other kinds?

[marisa]

There are a number of types if you look, aren't there... If it were me, on the shell, I'd use the liquid. I actually keep a bottle of the stuff, which I got from the vets, for problems that may arise. I've seen some discussion on this, but I've always diluted the stuff with water to a 2% solution. (If you get some and it's not diluted, make sure you dilute it.) You could ask a vet for a small bottle already diluted, and then you could just apply it to that area of the shell, leave it on a while and rinse it off.

If you're going to the vets, some Silver Sulfadiazine Cream would be good to get as well.