General Care Discussion :: Sheldon doesn't have much appetite/Possibly Gravid?

[cutepanda86]

I was thinking it was fungus too but she basks on a regular basis and it hasn't spread like the fungus she had before so I'm thinking that it could just be the top layer. Her shell is definitely rough and I've been concerned about her retaining her scutes as after her bout with the pet store fungus, her growth exploded. She hasn't popped off any scutes fully, they come off in bits and pieces and thin layers. Is there anything I can do to help the scutes along?

As for dry docking, she loves to move around in there or sometimes watch the world go by (I move her to in front of my sliding glass door in the living room - nice sun in the afternoon and she can people watch).

Now, there was a bit of good news this morning as she seemed more receptive. We have this little game where I put my finger on the glass and she pretends to bite it - something she's done since I got her. As of late, she had no interest but this morning she "took" a big ol' chomp. It definitely made me smile and she seemed perkier.

[cutepanda86]

UPDATE!

Sheldon ate all of her pellets this morning! Something she hasn't done in a while. Needless to say I'm very excited. Tonight, I'm going to take a good look at her shell and see what's loose and what isn't so I can keep better track of what is going on and see about those white spots.

[Tampa Bay Turtle Fan]

There might be a small amount of shell fungus over on the marginals. Her shell is a bit rough, and has some retained scutes. It'll look great after a few sheds. I'm not sure if dry docking will help, unless she has a spot she really loves... otherwise it might just stress her out.

Totally agree with Steve Here on this.

UPDATE!

Sheldon ate all of her pellets this morning! Something she hasn't done in a while. Needless to say I'm very excited. Tonight, I'm going to take a good look at her shell and see what's loose and what isn't so I can keep better track of what is going on and see about those white spots.

That is great news that Sheldon is eating like she should now and please keep us posted. It sounds just like simple at home treatments really that you can address. I am very happy that Sheldon is doing much better.

[cutepanda86]

What kind of home remedies can I do if it is in fact a fungus? The last time she had a fungus I had to go to the vet for the ointment. Also, how could she get a fungus if she has been basking and drying out? Is there something I can correct in her tank to help prevent it?

As for the feeding, not sure it has resumed to normal until I try again on Sunday. With any luck, she will eat like she is supposed to.

Thanks Steve and Tampa Bay Turtle Fan!

[Tampa Bay Turtle Fan]

You are very welcome and Steve will most likely agree with diluted iodine solutions baths periodically , every 4 days . Then dry docking of course after for about a hour. This will kill the bacterial areas in the fungus and not stress her out to bad with the time frame between the baths. It is for sure not a major issue from what I can see in the photos at all. She is feeling much better and eating is plus, so no worries. Besides the minor fungus arising, she is a outstanding reptile lady lol The crazy weather had to throw her off a bit as it does a lot of reptiles in general.

[cutepanda86]

Soaking in iodine? How diluted?

Now, I inspected he shell and the white stuff comes off with the flaky shell pieces. Steve was right - dirty turtle needs to shed. I guess I don't know why she is retaining them.

Besides the minor fungus arising, she is a outstanding reptile lady lol The crazy weather had to throw her off a bit as it does a lot of reptiles in general.

Sheldon is pretty awesome or maybe that's the proud momma talking.

Thanks again for all your help.

[steve]

Hmmm, now both my RES are being moody. Argh.

For home-treatment of fungus.... it's not worth it. Fungus gets under the scutes, and only SSD "might" work. She has a small amount of fungus, use the cream to knock it out fast. Though basking helps greatly, I'm not 100% sure where it comes from or if it is preventable but it's a problem for indoor-kept RES.

[cutepanda86]

Hmmm, now both my RES are being moody. Argh.

For home-treatment of fungus.... it's not worth it. Fungus gets under the scutes, and only SSD "might" work. She has a small amount of fungus, use the cream to knock it out fast. Though basking helps greatly, I'm not 100% sure where it comes from or if it is preventable but it's a problem for indoor-kept RES.

Oh Steve, I hope they get back on track soon.

I have some cream left over from the last time but it expired 4 years ago. I probably have to go to the vet to get more huh? Gotcha on the origins of fungus.

[steve]

I've seen it sold on-line, so you might be able to find it without a vet visit. If you have a good relationship with your vet, you might just need to drop in.

[cutepanda86]

Well Sheldon has only been to see the new vet once (our original vet left the area for bigger and better things). I'll give them a call and see if I can just come pick some up or if they need to see Sheldon first since they have her medical records.

Thanks Steve.

[cutepanda86]

Ok so since they haven't seen Sheldon in over a year, we have to go into the vet's office. I know we were trying to avoid it but what can you do? One way or the other it won't be bad to get a check up. Although, I'm sure Sheldon will think otherwise.

[steve]

Other kinds of vets will have it as well... if you know of any. So they'll check Sheldon out, you will be checking them out. It's always good to know if you're on the same page with them

[cutepanda86]

I do know our vet from when we had dogs but given that I haven't talked to her since my last dog passed (it's been 5 or 6 years). The vet was pretty awesome the last time we visited so I feel pretty good going in.