Urgent Care :: Help! Shell Problem!

[hcha]

OKay guys..... I have two RES that I've gotten for about 3 weeks now from their previous owners who could not take care of them anymore. I decided to take them in hopes to give them a better home since they've been in pretty bad conditions from their description.... i think the pictures will pretty much say it all. Their shells are discolored and perhaps infected ? .....I have them in a 40 gallon tank right now so bare with me, im trying to get them a better tank ASAP! They seem healthy as ever since they swim/eat/bask regularly but as I mentioned, they've might of been in worst conditions in the past.

Any ideas to help me with these two turtles? What it is on their shells and how to take care of it?

A little info about them:

How big is your turtle? 3.5 in and 4 in (estimate)
How long have you had it? 3 weeks

What is the water temperature? 76-78
Did you use a thermometer? Yes
Are you using a water heater? Yes
How much water is in there? Full tank (Basking area on top)
Are you using a water conditioner? Yes
Are you using any filtration? Yes

What is the basking temperature? 85-90
Is there a basking light? Yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? Yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? Egg Crate (with reptile carpet)
Is there a UVB light? Yes

What have you been trying to feed it? mostly Lettuce (pellets/shrimps on occasion)
When was the last time your turtle ate? this morning

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 40 g
Is the tank near a window? no
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? the whole tank

Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? Yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? No

This is Turtle 1's shell (top and bottom)
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c213/hcha/Dori.jpg

Turtle 2's shell (top and bottom)
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c213/hcha/Tank.jpg


The red circles are there to show you guys what im talkin about.

[RyanJ]

Hmm... I'll let the experts give the final analysis, but the bottom makes me worry about blood poisoning because of the red spots. The tops could be scutes shedding because of better conditions. Probably couldn't hurt to get a vet to check them over.

[hcha]

Okay so one of them "might" be shedding on the shell....that sounds a lil better then what im assuming..... is there any other opinions or suggestions from anyone?.... it would be appreciated...

[steve]

I've seen those red spots on the plastron before. Were they there before? An improved habitat and a non-abrasive basking area should help.

[hcha]

Hey steve, since I've had them for about 3 weeks now, those red spots were always there. I doesnt look like any kind of stain what-so-ever but does look pretty permanant (or natural I should say?) I'm also trying my best to improve their habitat and seems like I've got everything for now.

[bradmeisel]

The shells didn't look to bad to me.

[hcha]

The turtle on the bottom has a little spot where it's kinda soft. Looks like some kind of smushy water in that spot when you gently press on it. any idea what it could be?

[marisa]

Does any water seep out when you gently press on it after he's been in the water for a while? Or does the spot appear to move when you press on it? If so, it sounds like air or water is trapped under the scute as it starts separating in preparation for eventually shedding.

[hcha]

Hey Marisa,
The water does not seep out after he's been out for awhile however it does appear to move when you press on it. It looks to me like water might be trap in there. Also, yesterday, i notice that his shell is starting to shed as a piece was coming off (although not completely yet). I hope it's a good sign...... he's been basking, eating, and jolly as always.....

[munkly]

skin shedding is a good sign! i have read on many sites! so dont worry about that ... and im hopeful tht yr turtles will be healthy and nothing bad will happen! Just keep looking after them as u r

[theartbook35]

I would try cleaning the shell by scrubbing it with a toothbrush. No soaps or chemicals, but a plain toothbrush and then rinse it with relatively warm water. Do not put the brush on the turtles' legs, tail or head. They are not going to like being scrubbed, so, you may want someone to hold them tightly while you clean their shells.

If it comes off but eventually comes back, then you need to modify the conditions in the tank. If it doesn't come off, seek a vet.