General Care Discussion :: Pink spots

[Ronin]

I checked the underbelly of my Kelso today, just to check for irregularities or illnesses, and I noticed some pinkish smudges or hues. I was wondering if this is some sort of fungus or possibly skin irritation. Thanks for any imput.

[missibsu]

Is it possible for you to post some pictures? Unfortunately it's a vague description and it could be many things. Blood poisoning can also leave a pinkish hue.

[RunninWideOpen]

Do you have a picture? That would be really helpful. Also, can you fill out the questionaire in the sticky that gives us more info about your turtle?

Pink on the plastron can be some kind of serious blood problem or something......I can't remember exactly what it was, that was from a while back and I can find the thread. Someone else might come along that knows.

[SpotsMama]

Is the pink on the skin or on the shell? I got the impression it's on the skin but maybe I'm wrong.

On the skin, it can mean a number of things. Most serious would be blood poisoning (or septicemia). If that's the problem the turtle is probably acting very sick - not eating, lethargic.

Also, an injury could appear pink or red.

Also, if a turtle has been sitting for awhile, the blood pools and makes a pink blush around the legs. When he gets to moving again and swimming vigorously, the pink blush goes away.

Do any of these things sound like what you're seeing?

[Ronin]

It's more of a pinkish blush on the underbelly. There is no pink on his skin, sorry about the confusion. I'll post up pics soon.

[emma]

Does it look anything like this?



you can sorta see to the sides that there is some pink, or are you talking about pink all over the shell?

[Ronin]

sorry my webcam isnt working right now. that looks almost exactly like it, what is it exactly?

[emma]

It just means that the turtle is growing, and it is perfectly fine for your turtle to have this. All hatchlings have some pink on the bottom of their shells and brown marks. When it is an adult though, the pink may indicate something else.

[marisa]

Those areas, that make the blotches look like they've "moved" and are a bit out of focus are from your turtle growing---how much has your turtle grown recently?

[Ronin]

well i've been spoiling him a little, probably giving him more food than whats needed. That's probably the reason. I'm currently putting him on a special diet.

[marisa]

Which is?