General Care Discussion :: White Shell Marks

[rozrus]

Hi Steve!
I am so grateful to be a member of this RES Forum! Thank you for your selflessness in providing this Forum for us RES / turtle lovers!
My 2-year-young RES male turtle, Resa, has recently developed white marks on his shell (carapace). About six months ago when I took him to the Vet., she told me not to worry about any white-ish marks because "it's normal development", she said. However, now Resa has even more of those white marks! I see that you (Steve) have mentioned about fungus -- could that be what Resa has?
Another issue that's come up these past couple of weeks is that he's not pooing as much or as frequently (he tends to eat his poos sometimes also, which makes it difficult to monitor the frequency). He usually also pees whenever he poos, and I've noticed lately that his water is clearer (less urine).
Could these two issues be related / connected? Any insight or info. you might have would be greatly appreciated!
THANK YOU VERY MUCH! ... Gratefully, Roslyn.

[steve]

It most likely is fungus, if you can post a picture it would be really helpful to diagnose. They are not likely connected to the poop/pee issue but if the water is affected that much, the tank might be too small.

[rozrus]

Thank you very much for replying ... I recently bought a larger "tank" for Resa, and I change his water regularly (every 5 days usually). At the moment, I don't have a filtration system but am intending to set that up soon. Since posting my query a few days ago, I've been monitoring him closely, and have discovered that he's eating his poops! I understand that many turtles do this (don't know why, though). Re: the marks -- I've read online that young turtles who haven't yet shed any shell pieces can develop these marks, so I'm hoping that's the case, since Resa hasn't shed any pieces yet. I'm probably going to take him to the Vet. anyway, just to be sure. He's a lively little fellow and I care about him very much! ... Thanks again, Roslyn.