General Care Discussion :: Turtle shell... I don't think its him shedding.

[Cim*Forever]

Hey guys,

For a while I thought Rossco was shedding, but the white along the outsides of his shell pieces (sorry forgot the name ) haven't left or changed. They haven't spread either though. Under water the areas are a shiny silver and sort of transparent... Anyways, here are some pictures of his shell while he is dry (he realllly didn't appreciate me taking them). If anyone has any ideas as to what it might be, I would appreciate a comment... im really crossing my fingers that it isn't fungus...


This is the white on top of his shell


This is the white bits on the bottom of his shell


Also, I think it is too soon to tell if he is a guy or a girl, but here's a picture of his nails anyways.



Thanks guys, I really appreciate any comments.

[octpusgirl8]

Your description sounds like shedding (shedding scutes can take a while) but the pictures look like he/she has some fungus going on. Can you post some better pictures? They're pretty small and a bit blurry.

[Nettle]

As far as the nails go, that looks normal. Males have very, very long nails and females have much shorter ones. How many inches is it?

[Cim*Forever]

Hey guys,

Thank you for the replies,

Rossco is 3 inches, I know they're supposed to be 4, but I figured if he was already having pictures taken I may as well take a picture of his nails and tail

I will get better pictures when I get home, he probably has to be dry doesn't he ? Poor guy sure won't like my idea hahaha.

Thanks guys.

[Cim*Forever]

Alrighty, here are some pictures I took at the same time today, I just didn't think they showed his shell as well as the other ones. Just somthing to look at until I can get different pics.

Thanks

[Krzyspam]

I'm new to the turtle world...but could those be scratches (at least on the bottom)?? Perhaps from a rough material in the tank?

[Cim*Forever]

Krzy- Welcome to the turtle world I ruled out scratches because the bottom looks the same as the top, and I don't have anything abnormal in his tank, I use a zoomed floating turtle dock, which is probably the only thing he slides on.
Also, to feel the areas, they are very smooth.

Thank you for your thoughts

[Krzyspam]

Thanks! Good luck with your lil guy. I hope he's ok!!

[Cim*Forever]

Thank you too I assume he should be fine, just need a diagnosis, and then a solution. Hes totally normal except for the white haha.

[steve]

It looks like fungus in that last picture. You can always get some SSD cream and treat an area to see if there is an effect.

[Cim*Forever]

Hey steve,

Thank you for the reply. SSD cream is provided by a vet correct? Do I have to bring my turtle in, or do you suppose I could just order it?

Thanks

[TheComputerGremlin]

Sounds like you *might* be able to talk a regular doctor or pharmacist out of some of it ... Might even be available overthecounter, I'm not sure though. When you push on the scutes, does it look like it could be shedding? Are there air bubbles under the scutes? (Also, just noticing from your photo of your turtle that your finger is looking pretty ripped up, you should be careful handling your turtle with any open wounds or scabs, if there is Salmonella present, it will be very easy for you to get very sick that way ...)

[steve]

You can find it online too, but it's always good to consult a vet before using prescription strength medications.

[Cim*Forever]

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the info

As for the fingers, I appreciate the concern, and I wasn't sure if it would be brought up haha, but my fingers are stained from a permanent dye I was using for an art project, which makes them look rough and dirty. The project was worth it though

Anyways, im pretty sure now that he isn't shedding, but I wanted your second opinions. I will definitely look into SSR cream.

Thank you