I bought a rescue box turtle and he has a little shell rot on him. It isn't spreading. I want to know if there is a home remedy to clear this up. The pet store told me iodine but it seems quite cruel. We do not have a vet near where i live that specializes in reptiles so would be a long trip to a proper vet. If it's not spreading do i even need to worry?
2007-05-16 19:21:42 · 5 answers · asked by fantasticchewy 3 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Iodine in the form of 10% povidone-iodine (Brand name Betadine) is one of the most widely recommended treatment by veterinary sources. It has a broad anti-bacterial spectrum and some anti-fungal properties as well. Unless you've got an extensive problem that involves heavy application or soaking then the liver toxicity issue should not be a concern. It sounds like you are spot treating some small areas. Another choice is Chlorhexidine which any vet or pharmacy should have. Shell rot can turn deadly and even though it may not appear to be spreading out you want to prevent it from spreading down into deeper tissue as well. I would still recommend spot treatment with either of the above or at very least an antibiotic ointment.
2007-05-16 23:15:04 · answer #1 · answered by Thea 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Worm things? Could be some sort of parasite, could be maggots too. I don't think your sister should be taking care of them, if they are in such a bad condition. Hydrogen Peroxide will kill whatever is on the shell, but will also slow down healing. Try to see if you can get Nolvasan (chlorhexidine) or povidone-iodine can also be used, just gently swab the area with the solution every 10 minutes and continue to reapply for half an hour. Then apply silver sulfadiazine cream, which needs a prescription. Then you just leave the turtle in a dark dry place for few hours. But, your best bet is to take the turtle to the zoo, most zoos are happy to diagnose and give advice on treatment.
2016-05-20 17:33:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to really do the word RESCUE justice take the turtle to a vet not just for the shell but for an overall exam. There could be a bot fly infestation you don't know about but the vet could recognize or intestinal parasites. (collect a fecal sample to take with you) I know people that do this every year before the turtle hibernates. You might not have signed off for that much but why start out with a pet whose health is in question. Just like you and I any health malady no matter how small opens the door, just a crack, to something bigger.
2007-05-17 06:12:37 · answer #3 · answered by Michael B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
salt soaks for a few minutes each day, with lots of direct sunlight, but not to the point where the turtle gets severely dehydrated. If fungus gets advanced, it will kill your turtle.
Iodine can be used but should be used as a last resort in my opinion b/c it can cause liver damage.
If it looks like it is spreading you will have no choice but go to a vet. It will spread if its not treated..its a type of fungus if you didn't know.
2007-05-16 20:05:25 · answer #4 · answered by LYNN W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello..everyone's give you some good advice..and up the vitamins, especially calcium & they have to have UV light - plant growing light or some sun & shade if outside..it's more of an enviromental problem then anything & box turtles do not tolerate alot of moisture..so make sure there is NO standing water in the cage, water dishes are fine & needed, not anywhere else tho.. especially if your using an aquarium !! Take Care :)
2007-05-17 04:43:38 · answer #5 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋