My tortoise has red fluid or blood on its shell. Is it an emergency?

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!

Yes, this looks very serious. I suggest you dry dock her for a bit and do daily soaks in dilute Betadine solution (not scrub). Dilute 1 part betadine with 10 parts water. You can look up YouTube videos on dry docking. You also need to review all of your husbandry to make sure you are doing everything 100% correct - water temperature, diet, lighting, etc. If she is not eating or is not responding to treatment at home you will need to get her to a vet. ( https://yarmouthvetcenter.com/dry-docking-turtles.pml ) ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ )

It probably won't die, but it is likely painful. The turtle should be seen by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles for treatment. It will likely need antibiotics and pain medications. Depending on the amount and severity of damage, the shell may need to be repaired. Use a clean cloth and gentle pressure to stop bleeding. If the bleeding won't stop, the turtle will need to be seen tonight at the nearest veterinary ER.

Thanks for reaching out about Amad and including photos. If showing signs of being that sick, disease process is advanced and a veterinary visit is recommended ASAP. Most emergency veterinary clinics are open today. Check, review and correct dietary and husbandry parameters, as these are essential for proper health and to help stimulate the immune system. By the photos, fruit and mushrooms, and some greens are not a very well rounded diet. Severe illness probably requires systemic antibiotics and some diagnostic testing. Check heat support as needs to be in the 85-90 F range for this species. Good luck.

Since the shell is very soft, have Joan examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. There may be an underlying metabolic issue or nutritional deficiency that may be complicating the shell infection. Review her diet to confirm adequate nutrition. Review enclosure parameters (heat, UVB lighting, etc) and correct or lower humidity levels which can predispose or be the cause of the fungal infection. If minor, the shell can be treated topically. It is not recommended to treat or medicate your pet without the advice of your veterinarian.

Thanks for reaching out and including a photo. For aquatic turtles, it is very important to correct and seal the fracture, as they live in water and will commonly become infected. For now keep out of water and allow to dry. A veterinary visit is recommended for tomorrow. Pain medications are needed as the exposed bone hurts. Antibiotics are also necessary. Good luck.

Hello Alexis! Thank you for using PetCoach. Without seeing the redness in the eyes myself it is difficult for me to say if there is a problem or not. I can tell you that one of the problems we see with tortoises and turtles is hypovitaminosis A (low vitamin A levels in the blood) which can cause eye problems. This low vitamin A typically happens when the tortoise is not being a fed a diet that is quite right and/or he is not getting the proper lighting. So, I suggest you refer to the link below about how to properly feed and provide lighting for your tortoise. If the eyes become swollen and he can't open them, then I would be worried. ( https://www.reptilecentre.com/info-indian-star-tortoise-care-sheet ) I hope this helps. Best wishes.