Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2008 7:58 pm
How did it go with the vet? I hope he/she was able to help.
I must say I've never seen a situation exactly like yours. There are lots of examples of turtles with a pink blush to the skin which shows occasionally when the turtle has been very sedantary. It's caused by blood pooling, and as soon as the turtle starts moving around, the blush disappears. I gather, however, that your turtle's condition is different and the pink is on the surface and doesn't go away.
Usually when we've seen skin infections on here they've manifested as very heavy shedding or a whitish coating. However, it's entirely possible that a skin infection in a turtle could result in a pink rash. There is some info on another reputable site on treating skin infections. I'm going to go ahead and report it here, but am really most interested in hearing what your vet had to say:
This will appear as, but not be limited to, excessive shedding skin, sores and sometimes a general foul smell. This condition, left untreated, can result in septicemia.
From Austin's Turtle Page:
"Before being able to affectively treat the turtle, the root cause of the infection must be determined. Generally, skin infections come about due to inadequate filtration. Ensure that you place a quality filter in the turtle's habitat and use the recommended filter media. This will go along way in prevention.
Treatment using Acriflavine
Acriflavine is one of the greatest meds to use with turtles. I have treated shell infections with numerous medications and methods, but Acriflavine has given me better and faster results. This is my treatment method:
Week 1 - Do a complete water change. Remove any carbon media from filters. Add Acriflavine according to the directions on the label.
Week 2 - Do a 100% water change again, adding another treatment of Acriflavine.
Week 3 - Yet another 100% water change, this time, do not add in Acriflavine. Do not add any carbon media at this time.
Week 4 - Do a 100% water change again, adding another treatment of Acriflavine.
Week 5 - Personal preference on either leaving the treated water in the habitat, or changing it out. I have done both and have seen no differences in affect.
At this point, do 50% water changes for the next few weeks, and then taper back down to your normal routine. This will not only assist in fighting off anything that is trying to re-establish itself in your turtle's home, but also helps in general with water quality until the turtle has had proper time to heal."
I'm dismayed at your comment that we are hating you! Just the opposite - we really want to help. I understand that you are in a location where these kinds of turtles are pretty rare and info is scarce. Even over here where sliders and their kin are pretty common, it's incredibly hard sometimes to get the info we need or find people who know what they are talking about. It's admirable that you are trying to do a good job taking care of your turtle and taking him to see a vet when you are worried about him.
Don't be too worried about catching something from your turtle. All you have to do is wash your hands real well after you've handled him. I've been handling Spot a lot for almost 5 years and have never had the slightest illness because of it. Other people on the forum have been handling their turtles for a lot longer and never had a problem.
SpotsMama
