Posted: Sun Apr 05, 2020 9:05 am Re: Bleeding on Arm - Caused by shell?
Been a few days since I heard from Steve. He’s in New York and with this covid 19 ? Hope all is OK.
I expanded the last photo too see more. Since a little of the fungus is off compared to first photo can see shell better. If some is very loose "gently" remove it only. Use a babies soft tooth brush to help it lift off. Do not scratch it off unless you have an animal science degree. The fungus is attached to several layers keratin then to the scute then to bone that’s alive. If pulled or scratched off wrong will hurt the turtle ! Turtles feel pain !
It’s going to take awhile yet due to what I see in expanded photo , do not stop treatment anytime soon. The turtle been on a diet that needs adjustment , several layer of retained scute are seen. The fungus can penetrate several layers of keratin/scutes . Turtle needs a good shed or two to be a normal healthy shell. Will take a very good "full" shed to see shell improve better. If the scutes on the very edges start to lift do not pull/ scratch them to help either ! The turtle knows how to help them off on it’s own without pain. If habitat been setup correct and offers something to rub against the turtle will help the retained scutes off when they are ready. Like a raised rock or driftwood off the bottom of tank so he can get under it to rub the loose scutes off. You will see him under it doing the turtle dance to remove them. See several layers needs to come off wont be quick or easy for the turtle to get them off but in time ( months) will come off. Since so many retained scutes may take two sheds to see a good shell. That may take a couple years since captive turtle your size do not shed every year.
Adjust diet now for shell health and more time and attention to setup to help prevent the fungus from coming back. If setup not corrected fungus will come back with a vengeance and will be harder to treat than now. If fungus infection penetrates into the blood stream ….
A well balance , varied and nutritious diet will help the shell issue’s over time not over night.