General Care Discussion :: RES Dry dock / shell rot / shedding scutes

[kasey.eaton]

Hi!

I went to the vet today due to our RES not feeling well. The vet diagnosed him with shell rot because of the scutes coming off of his shell. He said that is not normal and shouldn't be happening. Nothing should ever come off of his shell. I have been reading that it is actually completely normal. His shedding actually was quite a smooth process so now I'm not sure how valid this vets diagnosis is. There are no white, black, pink, red, spots. Nothing at all that indicates any type of rot. The only thing happening with the shell was the shedding of the scutes. Thoughts?

He also said I should dry dock him for 8 to 12 hours a day and also allow him to take a swim for a bit and to eat. Dumb question.. what am I supposed to do with the other 12 hours? LOL. Long story but my son has had the turtle for about a month and the turtle has now been at my house for almost two weeks. We've never had turtles before and this is all new to me. The amount of information that I've learned in the last week is crazy! So, I apologize if some of this is basic but the vet now has me second guessing what he told me.

Thank you, all!

[steve]

Can you post some pictures? In normal scute shedding, it will be in thin and translucent pieces.

[kasey.eaton]

Now that I re-look at him after he has been dry for a long time, I can possibly see the shell rot.

All of the scutes have been transparent and appear to be shedding very normally without any issues. That's why we thought it was a normal process. There was not anything that would make me think that there was anything wrong with the shedding.

I'm still unsure how to dry dock and also for his iodine bath.. it is supposed to look like weak tea. Well.. I added a lot of drops this time around and there was still very little color to the water and the smell of iodine was very strong.

I have been thrust into turtle ownership with very little knowledge so I'm trying to get as educated as possible. My son thought it would be as easy as throw in some food.. throw in a filter.. and the turtle is self maintaining. We can blame his dad for this for allowing my son to get a turtle on a whim without knowing a darn thing about it. Ugh!!! And dangit.. I'm kinda liking the little green guy!! Who knew?!?!

I appreciate your help!!

Kasey

[steve]

I don't see shell rot, but it's possible he has an infection around the seams of the scutes. I see he needs shedding but it looks there there is some fungal infections on the shell. I would rather get some silver sulfadiazine cream from the vet.

[kasey.eaton]

I ended up going to a new vet. I am incredibly disappointed in the initial vet I went to. He apparently had little knowledge of turtle, even though they advertised they see exotic animals. The guy basically had no idea what he was talking about. His shell.. perfect. It's shedding normally and there is nothing wrong with it. Tiny bit of softness underneath, but nothing at all to worry about. A little red, possible septicemia.. but not necessarily as some turtles just have a red belly. The antibiotics finally kicked in for his RI. He is active, eyes clear and is swimming and eating!! The new vet said she would not have recommended that antibiotic so we finished out that one and she gave another one that lasts for 1 month. The new vet is absolutely amazing!!! There is nothing more important than having the right vet. I appreciate you taking a look at the photos to help me try to determine what was going on with this little guy. Thank you so much!

Have a great weekend!

Kasey