Urgent Care :: My turtle has soft shell, please help!

[bubbleandearl]

Hi,

today while cleaning th e tank I noticed that my youngest turtle has soft shell.
I need to know how I can help treating it. What do I need to do?

He gets the proper lighting and I'm not a beginner. Also, he gets the proper diet. My other turtles are doing well.

Courtney

[emma]

how big is your turtle? If it is a hatchling, they usually have sort of soft shells, then when they get older, the shell hardens

[bubbleandearl]

My turtle is a htchling and I had hatchlings before and know about the flexibility. But this turtle definitly has soft shell. I'm calling the vet tomorrow.

[emma]

ok, that would be a good idea.

[SpotsMama]

For soft shell disease, you probably know the drill but just in case you don't - after you see the vet get treatment, you'll need to be sure your turtle has plenty of calcium in his/her diet. Usually a cuttlebone in the tank with suffice. Cuttlebones are inexpensive and available from pet stores in the bird section. Pry off the hard backing from one side and break it into small pieces for your turtle, which you'll leave in the tank for him/her to snack on. Your vet may also prescribe supplements.

The second essential for a hard shell is good light for basking. Turtles have to be able to bask under UVB light to utilize the calcium in their diets. If you have any questions about UVB light, check out the lighting and basking section
on this site.

Good luck. Keep us posted.

[marisa]

What exactly is your turtle's diet like?

[megcornell]

How many turtles are in the tank? It could be that he is getting beaten out for food and nutrients and ample opportunity to bask.

[bubbleandearl]

How many turtles are in the tank? It could be that he is getting beaten out for food and nutrients and ample opportunity to bask.

Yes I noticed that this is the problem. There are 2 other turtles that are bigger than him. They never bothered him. They been together since december last year. But since a little bit one of my turtles is being very aggressive towards him and me.

I'm going to the vet next week. Couldn't get an appointment sooner.

Thanks for the advise. He has cuttlebone in the tank. And the lights are good. Otherwise my other two would have soft shell too. They have basking and UVA/UVB lamp.

[industrial_girl_2000]

Keep us posted! It sounds like you are on the right track.