My red eared slider has wide shell lines. Is it growth or disease?

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

I don't think this is anything to worry about. This does not look like shell rot - appears to be a scrape. She may be pyramiding. It is hard to tell from the photo angle. You can't reverse it, but you can prevent it from worsening by making sure the diet is 100% correct, as well as the rest of the husbandry. You can refer to this link: ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ )

Those appear to be normal formations on the shell. The ridge can be seen in some sliders but is not a health concern. You can review slider care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Thanks for reaching out about Lio and including photos. The pictures don't show any concerns except maybe some algae growing on the shell. This might be an indication of poor water quality. Test and correct water quality problems. For optimal growth, red eared sliders need to kept at a specific temperature range for optimal growth. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Shelly and including a photo. The white on the shell could be hard water deposits that are not really harmful, but a new water source needs to be used. The white can also be exposed bone, which lies underneath the keratin of the shell. This could be due to dietary deficiencies, poor water quality that can erode shell and other problems. Without knowing the cause, there is no home remedy that can be recommended. Diet needs to include whole prey (fish), pellets and offer some vegetables (although many will not eat them). Good luck.

Sly's shell does not look bad. The ridge you see is normal. True pyramiding is rare in turtles, that's not saying it doesn't happen. When it does, it is usually a result of poor diet and environment. Pyramiding is much more common in tortoises. YBSs are omnivores. They should be fed mostly greens and vegetables with a small amount of protein in the form of prey such as feeder fish, crickets and earthworms. A commercial pelleted diet supplemented with greens and prey is recommended. Calcium and multivitamin supplements, usually powders sprinkled on food, are necessary. UVB lighting is also critical to shell health.

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