My red-eared slider has pink skin. Is it serious? Vet or home care?

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.

I would be concerned about possible fungal infection. If you cannot make it to a vet I would recommend placing them in a dry environment three times a day for 20-30 minutes. You can buy iodine and dilute it a lot and apply small amount to the lesions. Also some pet stores have drops to place in water of tank to help with fungal growth.

It may be local infection or irritation. Female sliders can be territorial, so injury is also a possibility. If Jenny is behaving normally, you can monitor the spot at home. Maintain pristine water conditions. You can gently cleanse the area daily using a diluted betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution followed by a 1-2 hour dry dock. If the spot doesn't clear up, have her examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Yes, Jenny is female. Short nails on the front limbs and the thin tail are indicative of a female slider.

Thanks for reaching out about Shelby and including a photo. Even though the shell appears pinkish, it also appears symmetrical, which is not necessarily an indication of sepsis. If the lesions progress or Shelby becomes lethargic, a veterinary visit and probably antibiotics are recommended. Check water quality parameters, as dirty water can lead to immune suppression and secondary infections. Investigate diet and correct any deficiencies. Good luck.

Maintain pristine water quality and proper temperature. You can even bump water and ambient temps about 5 F to aid in recovery. Offer some freeze dried shrimp or krill to stimulate the appetite. Small bits of fresh beef heart may also get him eating. Other protein sources include feeder fish and nightcrawlers.

Thank you for the pictures - they are very helpful. I am sorry that this is happening to Finley! Her shell looks very dry - I am not sure if you dried her for the picture, or if she is not hanging out in her water enough. If she is not utilizing her water source enough, that could cause her shell to get dry and flaky. With your description of the shell looking cloudy and white underneath the layer, it could also be that there is an infection (bacterial, fungal) of the shell. If the water quality in Finley's enclosure is not adequate, this can result in infections. I would recommend that you take Finley to a veterinarian who is familiar with reptiles. To find one in your area, you can visit the ARAV website. The veterinarian will ask about Finley's husbandry set up and diet, and will perform a thorough examination of her. They then can take samples of the flaky, white, cloudy areas of the shell to evaluate for culture to determine if there is an infectious reason for it to look abnormal. They may also prescribe treatments, such as antibiotics, or have suggestions for husbandry changes, depending on what they find. Please do not give Finely any human medications, as they can be harmful for our scaled friends. I hope that gives you a place to start, and I hope Finley feels better soon!

There are many different things that could be causing these symptoms. It is hard for me to say too much about it without a photo or examining him myself. 1. shell rot 2. fungal disease 3. shedding (normal or abnormal) 4. mineral deposits I suggest you take Flash to a reptile vet for an exam so you can get a diagnosis and the proper treatment. This article may answer more questions for you: http://redearslider.com/shell_conditions.html Best wishes.