General Care Discussion :: health issues, shell and diet

[dsenk48]

Ok and here is after I was done with the Dremel at home (wet). There is still some spotting on the parts that were major because I did not want to irritate her living shell too much (I noticed the vet went a little bit too far on her underside and it looked pinkish). This should be enough to encourage some natural shedding and it sure looks like a big improvement from 2 days ago. I will be back as it gets better. I hope this ends up being helpful to some people. I know I searched for a very long time on what this might be and it never really matched any common symptoms. Some times the vet is worth a trip but this might be enough to help somebody else with a similar problem.

[dsenk48]

ooops, here it is

[steve]

I have to say that I'm in complete disagreement. When I had asked some vets about it when I had to deal with, I had answers that were all over the place who wanted to try all sorts of things.

Since fungus occupies on the top layer, I'm not surprised that it "looks better" but I hope there is no permanent damage done from it.

[Kurtni]

I have to say that I'm in complete disagreement. When I had asked some vets about it when I had to deal with, I had answers that were all over the place who wanted to try all sorts of things.

Since fungus occupies on the top layer, I'm not surprised that it "looks better" but I hope there is no permanent damage done from it.

Yeah I agree.. its crazy that it looks that much better so quickly and makes me wonder if damage was done to the scutes that might lead to exposed bone later on if the outer layer was chipped off. You can pick off scutes with fungus but that's not fixing the problem permanently and it'll come right back.
--

If the shell starts looking bad again I would recommend seeking a second opinion... don't be shy, suggest to the Vet that it may be fungus and ask about silver sulfadinze or conofite cream.

[dsenk48]

Ok, sorry guys. I did ask if it was fungus and he said exactly "this isn't fungus". I hope that it doesn't come back but if it does I will make sure to let him know and either get the silver sulfadinze or find another vet. So far I would say it is just kind of nuetral. It hasn't gotten a whole lot better on its own but it definitely hasn't come back. I am still giving her calcium and the de-wormer he gave me. Thanks for the help.

[apondfortimmy]

I kinda scrinched up my toes at the mention of a dremel and chipping away at the shell, but I'm eager to see how much your little guy improves after this.

[devilduck]

A dremel...That's the craziest thing I've ever heard. But if it works, it works.
Keep up posted on his condition!

[dsenk48]

Well I tried the dremel on my finger nails first to make sure it wouldn't hurt, it just feels like vibration. It is basically the same thing they use at nail salons. As far as progress goes I am unsure. She has been shedding a TON of skin lately but i still have not seen any schutes come off.

[lovemyturtles]

I have been reading through the forum lately and have come across several different posts suggesting the addition of wheat germ to the turtle's diet. I understand that wheat germ is high in vitamin E, which is beneficial to shell health but I recently learned that wheat germ is high in oxalic acid (higher than rhubarb) Wheat germ also contains lectin (aka wga - wheat germ aglutinin), which may interfere with digestion. I am no expert - a novice really, who tries to learn as much as possible about optimal care for red ear sliders. BUT after poking around on the internet it seems to me as though wheat germ may present more consequences than benefits to the RES. I added wheat germ to some jello shots I made and noticed that my turtles haven't pooped...this observation leads me to believe that wheat germ may not be the best choice...I don't think I will use it anymore, especially when safer sources of vitamin E and fiber exist. Thankfully, I soaked my turtles in a warm water bath (82 degrees) and offered some lettuce with results (at least from one turtle). I suppose I will take a wait and see approach with the other turtle and continue offering veggies high in fiber...

I truly appreciate all the information I have gained on this forum but wish to encourage turtle keepers to use their discretion with dietary changes/modification, especially with respect to questionable foods like wheat germ.

[lovemyturtles]

Looks like the yellow font didn't post well - it says the wheat germ is high in oxalic acid - higher than rhubarb...

[steve]

That's for pointing that out. It definitely needs to part of a complete diet, not a substitute for one.