General Care Discussion :: Turtle Shell Problem

[carvel647]

I've had this problem probably for at least a year, at first I thought it was mineral deposits or something but I believe it is shell fungus. One of my turtles sheds and the under scutes come out white and not green at all. I have not seen my other turtle shed at all since I got him and the white colored scutes have pretty much stayed there for a year.

I started applying this cream to his shell after checking out other posts, but after about a week I saw no improvement so I stopped. Is this the right cream to use?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/83238030@N02/7625929598/
Here are some pictures of his shell

http://www.flickr.com/photos/83238030@N02/7625938298/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/83238030@N02/7625939938/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/83238030@N02/7625941550/

[steve]

What was the procedure you were using when applying the cream? This also looks like an older infection, so there might not be anything to kill off. If it's still spreading, then it could be that this particular strain is resistant to the medication.

[carvel647]

I applied the cream to there shells and dry docked them for 12 hours. Is there anything I can do? I spoken to a vet around my area and they charge about 100$ just to take a look at them. I cannot afford that. What procedures do you suggest I take?

[steve]

Did you try to disinfect the shell and let it dry before the cream?

[carvel647]

Disinfect? I usually just wait until my two turtles are dry before applying the cream. Can you give me a list of procedures on how I should treat my turtles?

[steve]

Usually a gentle scrub with diluted betadine or chlorhexidine (Novolson or Hibiclens) and air drying.

[carvel647]

I have a povidone-iodine solution that an anti septic, will this work? after I dilute it and scrub there shell and let dry. Do i apply the Thermazene cream and dry dock him with a basking light?

[steve]

I have not used iodine, but I have heard that it caused problems for some so I would probably not use it over a large area. Clean the shell, let it fully dry and then apply the SSD cream. I prefer dry docking overnight, so they can sleep.

[PridgNYC]

Betadine is exactly the same thing as Povidone-Iodine solution. Betadine is just a brand name. Povidone-Iodine is the generic name for the same solution.

[steve]

Thanks for the clarification, for some reason I was sure of something else.