Why is my Mississippi Map turtle's belly pink? Is it sepsis?

Thanks for reaching out about Minnie and including a photo. The pink skin can possibly be a sign of dermal inflammation or infection. A leading cause is poor water quality so a water change was a good idea. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to dermal lesions, specifically vitamin A. The dried shrimp should be considered a snack, with minimal nutritional value. A veterinary visit is recommended to investigate the red/pink flakes from the intestinal tract, if blood then could be serious. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Sheldon and including photos. Continue to monitor the growth of the lesions. Maintain pristine water conditions. You can try a gentle scrub with a soft brittled tooth brush and chlorhexidine or dilute iodine/betadyne. If lesion continue to grow, a veterinary visit is needed. Good luck

Thanks for reaching out about Minnie and including a photo. You are correct that red skin can be due to inflammation or infection. First, test water quality and correct problems. High ammonia or nitrites can be inflammatory. If that is correct, a veterinary visit is recommended for possible antibiotics. Monitor appetite and activity. Good luck.

If it appeared and grew rapidly, have Sandy examined by your veterinarian or a vet experience din treating reptiles. A fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. This may diagnose infection, inflammation, a malignancy or a benign mass. In the meantime, provide pristine water conditions to prevent infection. A proper diet UVB light and heat supply are essential for good health and digestion. You can find a care sheet at the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Turtles-Tortoises/Turtle-Care/Pink-Belly-Side-Neck-Turtle/

Is this a color change or had it always been this way? Reddish color change can be an early sign of infection. Please make sure the environment is clean, the water temperature and quality is good, and that the ambient temperature is high enough. If the turtle is showing any other concerns such as decreased appetite or energy then my concern level increases as well. A visit to a veterinarian who cares for turtles is never a wrong decision if you are concerned. I hope this helps!

Thanks for including the pictures. I would be concerned that the shell discoloration on the plastron (lower shell) is a clinical sign of an infection or bruising. On one picture, there appears to be several areas where the shell is discolored (grayish). If it appears green to you, see if you can scratch it free with your fingernail, it could be algae. Algae build up on the shell is often a sign of water quality issues. If the discoloration seems to be deeper, it might be an infection and painful, and why he tried to bite. If this is the case, a visit to a reptile veterinarian is recommended.

Thanks for reaching out about Patrisha and including a photo. The dark spot on the plastron is probably due to the thin shell and internal organs underneath. Hemorrhage under the shell can also appear like this. Check and correct husbandry especially water and environmental temperature. A veterinary visit could help assist with diagnosis and treatment. Offer a baby food via a syringe might give calories. Good luck.