My 5-month-old red-eared slider has a soft shell. Should I worry?

-Make sure she has a good quality UV light above her no more than 12"- it should be a tube light and not a screw in kind, like a ReptiSun. Change it every 6 months. -If she won't get up to bask, make the area more inviting- put a larger platform, make sure you have a good heat light above that area, make it easy for her to get out, make sure nothing stressed her or scares her back into he water. -If it doesn't work to get her basking and then you may need to dry dock her part of the day- take her out of the water and let her bask in an empty tub or aquarium with her heat and UV lights on above her so she really dries out (make sure to leave her a cool side to go where it is not as hot so she doesn't overheat.) - You can try to soak her in dilute Betadine solution- you can purchase Betadine at the drug store and add a small amount to water to make a weak tea color and soak in water just deep enough to cover her back end 5-10 minutes once daily. This may help if their is infection under the scutes. -If these things are not working and more scutes are loose, then she needs to see a vet for an exam and possibly antibiotics.

Cracking can be due to infection, poor water quality or poor nutrition/lighting. Have Shelly examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose and treat any infection. Signs include pitting, bleeding or a very soft shell. Half the diet should be plant matter with one quarter made up of commercial sticks or pellets and one quarter animal protein. UVB lighting should be provided and water quality maintained. You can follow this link to an article about proper care and nutrition for sliders. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Retained scutes may be caused by poor husbandry. Confirm adequate water quality, temperatures, UVB lighting and nutrition. Make sure the basking area is completely out of the water. Add foods high in vitamin E and calcium to promote shell health. Limit protein as this can cause rapid growth and lead to pyramiding. Monitor for signs of infection such as soft or pitted areas on the shell, fungal/bacterial growth, bleeding or lethargy. The following link will provide more information regarding care and husbandry of sliders. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

It is not uncommon for a turtle this small to have a somewhat soft shell. Continue to monitor for bleeding, pitting or lethargy. maintain pristine water quality. At this size, water depth should be no deeper than twice the shell length.provide a water heater, water filter, basking area out of the water, a heat lamp for basking and a UVB light source. Offer a balanced diet including prey (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc), fresh diced greens and vegetables and commercial pellets. A multivitamin and a calcium supplement should be dusted onto foods regularly. You can review slider care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

It could be some minor shell rot. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and some diluted betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) to scrub the affected area once or twice daily. Allow for a 1 hour dry dock (out of the water) after each cleaning. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. If the spots do not resolve or if they spread, have Squirtle physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. A UVB light source, calcium powder and multivitamin will promote shell health. You can also float a piece of cuttlebone in the tank for him to munch on as needed. It will provide additional calcium. Find the cuttlebone in the Bird section of the local Petco. The link below will provide additional information regarding the care of sliders. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

The inflammation of the eyes is usually caused by a vitamin A deficiency. You can purchase drops at most pet stores that can help. Infection is also possible. Ideally, Jade should be examined by an experienced herp veterinarian. She may also have shell rot. This is caused by poor water quality, lack of proper lighting and/or poor nutrition. Gently clean gray spots with dilute Betadine or chlorhexidine solution and a soft bristled toothbrush. Maintain water quality and provide UVB lighting. Feed w quality commercial turtle diet. You can find more information regarding care here: http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Check the water, ambient and basking spot temperatures. Low temps can affect activity in reptiles. Ideally, the turtle should be in a 10 gallon tank. Water depth should be no more than twice the shell length. Use a filter to maintain water quality and a small heater to keep it between 82F and 85F. There should also be a basking area easily reached out of the water that should range between 85F and 88F. A UVB light source, proper diet and calcium and vitamin supplementation will promote shell health. If all this is provided and the turtle is still lethargic, consider a physical exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. You can find one at the link below. The second link will provide more information regarding the care of sliders. http://arav.site-ym.com/search/custom.asp?id=3661 http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html