General Care Discussion :: My Turtles A-Peeling Part II. (This time with Pics!)

[Israfel]

Here's what's goin' on:

Hey, guys! First timer here! I got a turtle for my birthday about two years ago and, I must confess, I didn't get NEARLY as involved in her as I should've. Oh, I always loved her and fed her and even bought her a nice big 75 gallon tank for her to swim around in, but I didn't read up on turtles as much as I should've. I recognize my sins and have paid penance. So, lets let the healing begin, shall we? (Pun INtended.)
My turtle is itchy. She is constantly trying to itch her self (neck and back legs mainly) and you can see clear filmy skin around her neck and legs.
I HATE that she is unconfortable! What can I do? Any tips? I have heard of a "dip" type medication. Is that for this? Or is that for shell problems (shellrot and what-not). Speaking of which, she has ALWAYS since I got her had these large white areas on her shell. It seems to be more aesthetically displeasing then uncomfortable for her. She just swims around and is very energetic.
Anyway, sorry to ramble. Any advice you guys could give me would be greatly appreciated by both of us, I am sure. Thanks for your time. Later!

-Nick

P.S.
Her name is Rosaline. =O)



Rosaline:


Her House:


Left Side of the Tank:


And the Right:



Her tank is kept at a comfy 80 degrees. Need more pics? Just ask! Thanks, ladies and jelly-spoons!
-Nick

[steve]

I have seen something similar elsewhere but I have never heard of a solution that worked. A sulfa dip is mainly intended for fungus and I don't think it would work in this case. Does the white patches disappear once a scute has shed? If anything, I wonder what a vet would say and if there are any prescription-strength medications for it.

[industrial_girl_2000]

In terms of the skin peeling, check the water temp. If it is too warm, the turt's skin will peel more (more info somewhere on this website about that + water temps for various ages of turts).

My Sheba gets the white spots & then peels periodically. But in her case, her whole shell turns almost white & when she dries off, little corners of the layers will stick up (where I can easily get my fingernail under the layer). Then I know she is ready to peel, when the layers come off easily. I usually just take her out of the tank, let her dry off, and gently peel her shell over a towel (collect the layers). I will only do it for about 20 min. at a time (I usually do it a few times over the course of a weekend till she is done). She hates when I do this, but it helps keep the big shell layer pieces from clogging her waterfall filter.

[jenaero]

My first guess is the water is too warm. Put it down to 75 and see if it helps (will take a few days at least).

[marisa]

To me, the condition of the shell looks like the result of being in less than adequate conditions for a prolonged period of time (two years). Rosaline looks like she needs a major shed. I don't think there's any magic solution to improving the shell---a balanced diet with adequate calcium, good habitat, basking under correct lighting, etc. and...time.

For the itching, I agree with lowering the water temp to around 75F. I'd also check the ammonia level in the tank just to be sure it's not really high. How often do you change the water?

[Israfel]

Like I said, when I first got Rosaline her shell was already semi crappy with white spots like that. I just picked the turtle with the best looking shell. The bigger she got the worse her shell seemed to get.
As for the temperature, I will definitely try that out and let you guys know what happens. Thanks for the quick response. We appreciate it.

-Nick

[industrial_girl_2000]

Sheba goes thru phases with her shell looking crappy for a coupla months (until she peels). Then she looks awesome for many months after that.

Let him dry off *completely* (keep him out of the water for a few hours) and see if there are any corners of scutes starting to stick up. You can peel him by hand with your fingernails.

Definitely keep up on the calcium!