General Care Discussion

Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 10:44 am **Scuff on shell or fungus?**

So I noticed little Tesla has some spots on his shell and I was worried if I need to get him some treatment for it...

I think they may be scuffs from when he was in the pet store because he was wedged between something when I got him (He was trying to hide from the African Side Neck they had in the tank with them and they had little room). Should I be worried? Also, why does his shell seem translucent near the ends of his marginal area?

Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 7:21 pm **Re: Scuff on shell or fungus?**

Mine had a white spot similar to that on its shell and I read that it could be mineral deposits from hard water and it could be brushed off with a tooth brush. So I tried it and it came right off. Odd how I couldn't get it off with my nail, but I wasn't trying too hard cause I was afraid of hurting it. Turtle seemed to enjoy the brush too. LOL

Posted: Wed Aug 03, 2011 10:59 pm **Re: Scuff on shell or fungus?**

valladin82 wrote:Mine had a white spot similar to that on its shell and I read that it could be mineral deposits from hard water and it could be brushed off with a tooth brush. So I tried it and it came right off. Odd how I couldn't get it off with my nail, but I wasn't trying too hard cause I was afraid of hurting it. Turtle seemed to enjoy the brush too. LOL

Ah okay. I'll try that tomorrow and see what happens. ^^;; Thanks.

Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 1:01 pm **Re: Scuff on shell or fungus?**

Hmm, they didn't seem to want to come off. I am still a little worried. :<
Should I try taking him to a herp vet? I'm worried that it could be something worse.

EDIT: It seems he may just need a shed. When out of the water his shell quality looks really nice and some of the layers seem to be wanting to come off. I just got him a week ago, so hopefully it's a matter of his body readjusting to a quality tank.

Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 3:33 pm **Re: Scuff on shell or fungus?**

Ahh sorry to to hear that. I hope its not something serious and just shedding.

Posted: Thu Aug 04, 2011 8:15 pm **Re: Scuff on shell or fungus?**

Does the area have a rough texture to it? It could be an exposed bone layer if he had scrapped something.

Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 3:13 pm **Re: Scuff on shell or fungus?**

Yeah, it's semi-tough. Is it going to develop into something bad you think?

He seems to be wanting to shed too because he basks all the time and his layers seem to be wanting to come off. I am currently keeping an eye on him. If the condition gets worse, I will post some pictures where he is completely dry. I need to thoroughly clean his tank this weekend just in case water quality is the issue. I might scrub his shell some more with an old toothbrush (He likes being pampered).

Posted: Fri Aug 05, 2011 5:17 pm **Re: Scuff on shell or fungus?**

I wouldn't be concerned as long as it doesn't get larger. If it doesn't then the white piece will fall off, leaving flesh exposed. There might be a slight presence of blood. After that, it should quickly fill up and harden. It might be a small pit, but that is fine as long as it's hard.

It's translucent at the marginals because he hasn't fully shed yet. Those are usually the last ones to go.

General Care Discussion :: Scuff on shell or fungus?

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