My baby turtle has a fungal infection and can't poop. What to do?

Without an image or physical exam, it is difficult to determine what is growing on Shady's head. A fungal infection typically presents as a gray or white fuzzy patch on the skin or shell. There may be redness, bleeding, swelling or discharge as well. Check water quality, performing a water change and rinsing filter media if necessary. Pristine water quality is the foundation for treatment and recovery. You can use a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution to gently cleanse affected areas. Allow for a 1-2 hour dry dock (out of the water) after each cleaning. If there is no improvement in a few days, have Shady examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.

Since the shell is very soft, have Joan examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. There may be an underlying metabolic issue or nutritional deficiency that may be complicating the shell infection. Review her diet to confirm adequate nutrition. Review enclosure parameters (heat, UVB lighting, etc) and correct or lower humidity levels which can predispose or be the cause of the fungal infection. If minor, the shell can be treated topically. It is not recommended to treat or medicate your pet without the advice of your veterinarian.

This could be a fungal or bacterial infection. You can try to manage it at home by maintaining pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. Make sure any filter you have is rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. Remove any uneaten food promptly to prevent it from fouling the water. Use a soft bristled brush and a diluted betadine or chlorhexidine solution to gently scrub the affected areas daily. Keep the turtle out of the water fro an hour or two after each cleaning. If the spots do not begin to resolve within 5-7 days, you may need to seek veterinary attention.

This could be due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Swab the infected area with a diluted povidone-iodine solution twice daily. Scrape away the infected area gently with a blunt tool or a cotton pad. If this time of first line treatment does not help and you do not see any improvement in 48hours a check up at your local veterinarian would be required as antibiotic ointment and more aggressive treatment may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

Thanks for reaching out about Dory and including a photo. Remove from an aquatic environment and dry dock. Heat support should be in the 80-85 F range. Allow to soak in a shallow, clean room temperature water for 1-2 hours twice daily, monitor to avoid drowning. A veterinary visit is mandatory for the prescription of antibiotics, which need to be injections, in an animal this ill. You need to find a veterinarian. Try the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV.org), they have a find a vet area. Good luck.

This can be due to poor water quality. Dirty water increases the risk of infection. Maintain water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. Turtles need powerful filtration, so confirm your filter is rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. Infection should be confirmed by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. This will require a physical exam. Prescription antibiotics can be administered or dispensed afterwards.

Unfortunately, the "tumor" cannot be appreciated in the images provided. Consider an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Also, decrease the amount of pellets being fed. Remove any uneaten food once the turtle stops eating. Offer a balanced diet consisting of protein (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc), fresh greens and vegetables and a small amount of commercial pellets. Provide vitamin and mineral supplementation as well as adequate UVB lighting.