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I have a 4 innch RES named Toby. Lately his shell is starting to change color. His shell always had a slightly brown undertone with a few orangey spots on his under shell, but now the brown is lightening to orange. He's still very active and eating well, the only problem is his color. It concerns me, I've never dealt with anything except a box turtle before, and that was years ago. Do you think Toby is alright? Is this normal? I don't want to be freaking out over nothing. He also won't eat veggies which I know isn't normal. I don't understand it. HELP PLEASE!!!

It's really difficult to tell, it's probably nothing. Do the spots seem soft? It might help if you posted a picture...

No the spots aren't soft. It's only the color. I have pics of it, but I can't get them to post on here.....sorry[/img]

You can email them to me at mdmflutterby74@yahoo.com and I can post them for you.

I sent the pics...thanks. My computer is acting funky

Here you go

That reddish color doesn't seem right. Does the shell smell?

Red or pink coloring on shell or skin
This coloring on the skin, on or between the scutes, on the carapace or on the plastron can be an indication of septicemia (blood poisoning). If your turtle has had a previous illness, infection, injury or improper habitat, it is best to observe carefully and prepare for intensive medical care.

I took this from the health section of redearslider.com.

I looked up septacemia before posting actually and checked him, but it's just on the shell. His shell doesn't smell. And the orange spots on his under shell have always been there and are growing as he does (do turtles have birthmarks?). And he did come with a vet check guarentee (Petsmart always gives one with any animal they sell). They should have picked it up if he had that right? My kids will be devastated if anything happens to him. Unfortunately, there isn't a herp vet around me. I'm going to check around and see if any vet around also does turtles. I never would have let my sister give us Toby if I had known there was no herp vet around. But I would think if he had blood poisoning he would be more sluggish, not more active. Then again I don't know much about herpatology. Homework time I suppose.

I looked up about the different illnesses and diseases that turtles can get and the only one that describes what your turtle has is septicemia, like scrita said.

Here's a picture I found of a turtle with septicemia:


Here's some info from the Newsletter of the Mid-Atlantic Turtle & Tortoise Society, published in March 2003, regarding septicemia in reptiles:

The most common signs are diarrhea (possibly accompanied by blood and excessive mucus)and irregular appetite. Other clinical signs include vomiting, listlessness, weakness, low weight and signs of dehydration (e.g. sunken eyes, thick oral mucus).If the lungs are infected (a condition generally associated with more chronic infections), labored breathing, mouth/nasal discharge and wheezing may be noted. Mild symptoms may continue with little change for months, or progress rapidly towards death. Unfortunately, in some cases no clinical signs are obvious until a day or so before death, eliminating any opportunity for
treatment.

I'd get your turtle to a vet as soon as possible. If you give us an idea of where you are, we might be able to help you find a herp vet.

I'm in the middle of a triangle, between Athens, Atlanta, and Commerce GA. I know there's one in each of these cities, it's just kinda far to get to any of them. I'm in Auburn GA. Hopefully his shell being the only symptom so far will turn out to be a good sign.

Septicemia is highly dangerous. All you need to do is read up about septicemia in people and you will understand the seriousness and consequences of this illness. I would look for veterinary care immediately.

Here is some info from the vet college in Auburn. Maybe you can call them and they can refer you to a herp vet.

Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine
"Appointments for general veterinary care can be made directly by persons living within 30 miles of the Small Animal Teaching Hospital"
Hoerlein Hall
Auburn, AL 36849-5523
(334) 844-4690

Wrong Auburn. I'm in Georgia...I've been talking to a few emergency vet clinics, and I might be narrowing down the search. If this vet I'm supposed to talk to tomorrow doesn't see him, I'm out of options I'm afraid. I feel terrible that I might not be able to help him. I didn't ask for this responsibility, but it's mine and I feel like I'm slacking, even though I've been on the phone with every emergency clinic in 5 counties. I should have done more research before allowing my sister to bring Toby into my home. He would have been better off staying at Petsmart.

Is this a new turtle? Someone recently mentioned a pet store paying for medical treatments of a sick turtle they sold. I believe Petco or Petsmart claim that their animals are regularly checked by veterinarians. It would not hurt to see what they have to say. You can also check local reptile organizations for referrals. You might even have access to experienced RES keepers.