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Hello all;

A small white-ish spot has appeared on the skin of my 9" female RES, just behind her left eye. I noticed it 2 weeks ago, and have been watching it -- in case it was just an under-rock scrape. I am certain it is a fungal infection at this point -- perhaps caused by high water pH (fall leaves, rain water)? We're actively correcting/monitoring the pH. Now there is slight, transparent, fuzzy-floaty looking stuff right under both eyes.

I am fairly confident I know how to treat this, but I will need to pull her out of brumation to do so. How should I go about doing this so as not to be a shock to her? Any other suggestions appreciated.

I have a pic on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/93076243@N07/11372837095/

Add'l details:
She is the only turtle in a 4' deep, filtered 3500 gallon pond w/2 waterfalls. She has a 'brumation cave' that she uses often, but sometimes sleeps in the fish cave, or nestled amongst boulders. When water temps drop below 50 she sleeps all day but comes up for air once in the morning. During her 'air break' she often relocates herself in the pond (sometimes napping along the way). This is how/when I am able to observe her. She has no interest in food, as one would expect during brumation. When water temps drop below 40s she doesn't wake/move at all. Lately there has been a cold snap -- water temp is currently 34F, and the pond iced over, but is thawing now. She is SOUND asleep now, and visible along the side of the pond.... one of her favorite spots.

THANK YOU SO MUCH for any help with this!
Shell

Hi, how long has been in brumation mode? Has the area of infection become larger? When the temps hit 50, your turtle should be acting close to normal. I'm guessing you want to dry dock to treat and I don't see how you can treat while she's still in this mode.

Thanks for your response Steve. Yes she was much more active When water temps were nearer 50. The water temp have been in the mid 30's for about 3 weeks now, and so she had been VERY inactive. I believe, other than the white spot on her head, and the slight sign of fuzzy stuff (also fungus) just around both eyes, that she is otherwise healthy. I'm attributing the fungus problem to very high pH.

Yes I agree-- I will need to dry dock her to treat it. But how safe is it to take her from 35 degree water/ brumation to an indoor climate of 70+ degrees? That is a drastic and sudden change.

Perhaps I should just keep an eye on her while I get the pond pH stabilized. All the other numbers -- phosphorus, nitrites, etc, -- are great. This is a new pond, and the water is still cycling. but I expect it to stabilize pretty soon. I've read that a lower pH is better, And that higher pH is conducive to fungus infections... Is that true???

Any tips or suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Sorry for delayed response... computer problems.

Shell

PS -- our pH is about 9.0, so it is on the alkaline side (7 being neutral).
I've read that 6-8 is fine for RES, ideal being 7-7.5. There is no ammonia, no nitrites, and no phosphates.

I'm leaning towards pulling her out of the pond, but I'm still worried about the potential for shock or something at such a sudden change. It has warmed up to high 40's but the pond is still a chilly 35.

Again, thanks!
Shell

Lower pH will help prevent fungus but probably not enough to stop or prevent an aggressive infection. Is she active? Would she be bothered if you tried to swab some off?

Thanks for your response Steve -- appreciated!!

She is very inactive. Eyes closed tight every time I look. She is moving slightly tho.. for instance, this morning she had re-positioned herself slightly from yesterday. No change in the spot or fuzzy stuff around her eyes. Air temps have risen, but the water temp was 35 this morning. It's going to take a while to warm up.

Perhaps I could place her in a rubber storage container outside on the porch -- maybe add something for her to burrow into (any suggestions that would not promote fungus?) -- and keep it mostly covered with a lid. That way her body will know it is still winter. Then I could wipe/clean/treat the spot and fuzzy stuff, and let her dry out a bit before returning her to the pond.

Thoughts, anyone??? Your experience surely out-weighs mine!! I'm winging it here!
Again, thanks for any help with this situation.

Shell

She probably won't want to be moved unless you are taking her out of hibernation.