Posted by:
kensopher
at Sun Dec 31 11:41:58 2006 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by kensopher ]
Yes, I agree with Ratz. It looks like the beginning of a fungus. People often confuse shell infections with scute peeling because the fungus or bacteria usually exploits the "nooks and crannies" in the shell where the scutes may happen to be peeling. I've thought the same thing many times before.
If you have the slightest question about a "whitish" color on the shell of your box turtle, it's almost always best to just go ahead and treat with Chlorhexidine. Shell infections, especially fungal, can progress VERY quickly and can take months to clear up. Chlorhexidine is so safe, it's much better to treat now and ask questions later. Another good thing to remember is to scrub vigorously at these spots. These little organisms have ways of protecting themselves, and scrubbing will help to expose and dislodge them.
Living in the humid Southeast, I have tons of trouble with shell infections. My three-toes are 10 times more succeptible than any of the other box turtle species...even ornates.
Wow, it looks like those hatchlings are going to retain that beautiful coloration that they had upon emerging. They're gorgeous! I can't wait to see them as they grow. If caught early, which this was, these infections are easily treated. Any damage that occurs will not likely be visible long-term.
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- Fungus? - Rouen, Sat Dec 30 23:49:59 2006
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Nice one Ratz! - kensopher, Sun Dec 31 11:41:58 2006