Urgent Care :: White Film on Turtles!!! Help!!!

[heatherlp07]

Would a fungus make the turtles feel slimy and nasty?

[SpotsMama]

Oh, does your turtles' skin feel slimy and nasty? That does sound like more than normal shedding. That might also explain why you first described the condition as a milky film on the skin. It's a bit unusual to describe normal shedding that way.

I'm now going to comment based on the assumption that your original concern was correct and your turtles do indeed have a fungal (or bacterial) skin infection.

If an infection isn't severe, it can be treated with a sulfa dip. Zoo Med makes a dip for minor bacterial and fungal infections. There are directions on the box.

If the sulfa dip doesn't do the trick, then a trip to a herp vet is in order.

But here's the most important thing. The underlying cause has to be corrected or it will be impossible to cure. Causes are water that isn't clean, not basking enough so that the turtle doesn't get a chance to dry off, not having good UVB light. There's lots of good info on this site on how to setup a good habitat.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

[heatherlp07]

No, the turtles do not feel slimy and nasty. I was just curious if it would feel this way with shedding or not. Now that I know that it doesn't, I'm more than sure that they are shedding. Thanks for the help. Is there anything thing that I can do to help them get the skin off or should I just let nature take it's course. And how long does this process last, it has alreadt been going on for a week. Will it end soon???

[marisa]

Assuming it's normal shedding, let it come off on it's own. Lowering the temp to 77-78F will help shedding clear up. (Regarding to your other question as to how it makes them feel, not being a turtle, I wouldn't know. But I doubt they're really aware of the shedding unless the loose skin somehow irritates them and they bite at it.)

[heatherlp07]

Thank you all so much, I was really worried about the lil guys.

[heatherlp07]

We found out something interesting about our turtles. Along with the shedding they also have an algea...YUCK! We were told that it is really nothing to worry about, just a natural part of being a turtle.

[marisa]

Well, turtles do sometimes get algae on the shell (is it green?) and in the wild it serves as camoflage. It is good, however, to periodically wipe it off with a soft brush or cloth. Algae can mask shell problems (a small injury, for example, that could turn into shell rot if not detected).