I was just visiting a friend of mine who recently got two baby Red Eared Sliders. One of them has a black spot on it's shell. She seems to think it's a fungus and has been treating it with iodine. The turtle is otherwise fine, it's active and eating. Does anyone know if she is correct about the fungus or if it is something else? Her husband got them for her from Chinatown and I have already told her that turtles purchased from such places are unfortunatly usually not healthy. The turtle had the spot on it's shell when she got it. If anyone has had any experience with this type of thing please let me know. I myself have two 3 year old RES but fortunatly haven't had any health problems with them at all. I got mine from a reputable breeder though. Anyone with advice please let me know.
If it's a baby, its probably damage or just a defect as opposed to shell rot or fungus. I saw a picture once of the way they are shipped from LA to the ports for export. It was appalling....anyway, when they get to the ports, some are taken off the top, and sold in the Chinatowns to tourists. The rest go to the Far East for food.
Please keep in mind that you should never start treating something with medication without knowing if it is appropriate. Your friend can be doing more harm and will only delay correct treatment.
Posted: Sun Sep 24, 2006 9:03 pm Black Spot on Shell
