How to properly bathe a tortoise to clean its shell and prevent rot?

Shedding of the skin is normal in tortoises. If the skin is shedding in large pieces though, this could indicate a degree of dehydration. The basking spot for Coopy should range between 90 F and 100 F. The rest of the cage can have a gradient from about 68 F to 80 F.

It would be more practical to provide regular baths or soaks in warm water or a 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Adequate hydration, UVB lighting, a balanced diet and vitamin/mineral supplementation will all promote shell health as well as overall health.

Not only is soaking safe, it is recommended to maintain hydration. You don't need to worry about wiping him off or drying him. He will dry on his own. Place the food on a flat surface or shallow bowl near the warm side, not under the heat lamp. He will eat when he is hungry. The white "glob" is probable stool. Clean it up every day or so to keep the cage clean.

Check environmental parameters first. Make sure the relative humidity level is correct. For Russians, it can range between 40% and 60%. Provide adequate UVB lighting. If the bulb is more than 6 months old, replace it. Provide a balanced diet including vitamin and mineral supplementation to promote shell health. Survey the enclosure and remove any sharp rocks or furniture. These can cause small scratches which can lead to infection. You can gently clean the shell using a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution once or twice daily. If there is no improvement in the shell condition after 5-7 days, consider an exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. You can review tortoise care at the links below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Russian-Tortoise/ https://www.petcoach.co/amp/article/russian-tortoise-habitats-how-to-create

Thanks for reaching out about Rizzo and including photos. This does appear to be a deep shell infection. First, water quality is incredibly important. All substrate (rocks, soil) should be removed. Water changes daily. Next, a dry environment needs to be set up to allow the wound to dry. Aquatic turtles can stay out of the water for very long periods of time. Rizzo can be kept dry all day and allowed two periods of time to be allowed to eat (1-2 hours each time) as turtles will not eat if dry. This will all allow the topical application of a anti-microbial cream, and not have it wash off. A soft towel or T-shirts can be used for bedding. Lastly, a veterinary visit is needed to prescribe systemic antibiotics, likely injections, as creams don't penetrate too deeply. These will heal over time if therapy is aggressive. Good luck.

The peeling scutes may be normal shedding. Do not attempt to remove them yourself. Maintain pristine water quality. You can use a soft bristled tooth brush and a diluted Betadine solution to gently scrub the shell or affected areas. Allow for a 1 hour dry dock (out of the water) after each cleaning. If the UVB bulb has been in use longer than 6 months, replace it. Make sure it is not blocked by fine mesh, glass or plexiglass. Provide a balanced diet including prey, fresh greens and vegetables and a commercial pelleted diet. Dust food and prey with both a multivitamin and a calcium supplement regularly.

If he won't soak on his own, you can give him a soak once or twice a week. Use a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Soak for at least 30 minutes. It is normal for the to defecate during the soak, if this happens, change the water. Submit the stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. Confirm proper temps in the enclosure as low temps can affect activity, appetite and digestion in reptiles.