My turtle has a red spot on its shell. Is it shell rot or an injury?

The discoloration on the marginal scutes may be due to dietary or environmental deficiencies. It may also be caused by bacterial infection or trauma. The pink coloration in the seams is normal. In other species, it would indicate possible infection. Confirm adequate UVB lighting as well as clean water and heat. A lack of any one of these can cause stress which will lead to infection. Monitor the areas for any rapid change or growth. A physical exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles would be needed for a definitive diagnose after which the appropriate treatment can be administered.

Thanks for reaching out about Frank and including the pictures. The lesions on the plastron (lower shell) doe appear to be due to an infection. Rarely do the fluid additives help in situations like this, because the infection is too deep for this treatment to work. Gently scrubbing with an old toothbrush with a dilute betadyne solution (1:10, light tan color) to remove any debris. Applying a topical antibiotics such as neosporin could work well but Frank needs to stay dry for 6-8 hours. Red eared sliders do great out of water and only need water to eat and drink. If the lesions get worse, a visit to a reptile veterinarian and systemic antibiotics is needed. Monitor water quality to provide a clean environment to live. Good luck.

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

I think this could be shell rot, however, t is impossible for me to diagnose this over the internet with just a photo. It is always best to get an in-person exam from your local reptile vet. Here is a link to an article about this problem: ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Turtles-Tortoises/Turtle-Care/Turtle-Shell-Rot/ ) Shell rot is almost always due to improper husbandry. Please review your husbandry carefully and make sure you are doing everything 100% correct. ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Care-Sheets/Turtles-Tortoises/Painted-Turtle/ ) Best wishes.

You can use a soft bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the area. Maintain clean water and provide a health, balanced diet along with adequate UVB lighting and vitamin supplementation. all these will promote shell and overall health. Monitor for spread, bleeding, lethargy, loss of appetite, softness or pitting. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. If you can provide the species of turtle and an image or two in a new post, we may be able to provide more specific advice.

Thanks for reaching out about Muddy and including photos. By the photos, the lesions do not appear serious. White lesions can appear from other traumas, of which algae can invade. Scrubbing the shell, and keeping water quality good, should work well. If lesions grow, seeking an appointment with a reptile veterinarian is recommended. Good luck.

Unfortunately it looks like Alex has a bad case of wet shell rot also known as SCUD. As this is quite severe I would take him to a vet with experience of chelonians asap as untreated it can progress into blood poisoning. If possible it woukd be best to isolate Alex as it is usually due to an infection of bacteria or fungi.