TURTLE ARTICLE > HEALTH AND DISEASE
The shell provides critical protection to chelonia, but can occasionally be damaged in situations such as falls, bites, or bacterial/fungal growth. This article is designed to guide you through treating small injuries with an iodine-based or salt-based solution, including shell scrapes, cuts, cracks, bites and shell rot. For large injuries, or severe infections, please consult an animal rehabilitation specialist or qualified professional.
Iodine is suitable for external injuries only, and not be added to swimming or drinking water, or applied to/near the mouth.
Before treating the injury itself, it is crucial that the cause is eliminated. If your turtle has fallen from the tank, or injured itself when diving from the basking area, then you will need to ensure this is no longer able to happen. Ensure the enclosure is secure, and remove any underwater decoration within diving range of the basking area.
If your turtle has been bitten by another turtle, then they should be seperated immediately. Unfortunately, turtles are usually solitary creatures, and don't always tolerate other turtles in close proximity. Male turtles can also inflict nasty bites when seeking the attention of a female tankmate, or trying to establish dominance with another male.
Water should be kept extremely clean to prevent further infection. Some shell damage can occur from bacterial or fungal growth on the shell ('shell rot'), and this is associated with poor water conditions. More direct forms of injury such as bites and cuts can develop secondary infection and septacaemia from dirty water during treatment. Turtles prevent shell infections by basking, and allowing the shell to dry out; almost all freshwater turtles, including softshells, snappers, musks, muds and sliders/cooters should have access to a basking area with a spotlight for heat, and can develop shell rot without one.
Firstly, remove the turtle and gently dry it using a towel or cloth. If the wounds appear infected, gently clean them using a soft toothbrush and fresh water, being careful not to further damage the shell or any exposed tissue, before patting dry. Ideally, take photographs of the shell each time you carry out this treatment; such images can be compared later to monitor how the shell is healing.dry docking for an hour after application, to aid healing and further prevent infection.
If you have any further questions regarding shell damage or turtle health, please email me:
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