Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering if anyone had any good remedies for shell rot in a RES? I have soaked him in sulfa dips for seven days, but I don't know what else to do for him! It isn't a really severe case, but I am still very worried! Can somebody help me?

The way you treat it depends on the extent of it. If the turtle is septic you need to get it to a vet or will die.

If it is just mild surface rot you may be able to treat it yourself.

Its not very severe yet, there are some white spots and his shell seems to have a few spots that are sort of peeling. I don't know what treatment to use. I have read of the dry treatment, but I don't know if I feel comfortable leaving him out for days without water. I did use some iodine for a while, but what I would do is brush the shell with a tooth brush and then apply the iodine and leave him out for about 15 mins and put him back in his water. I just don't know what to do for him and he is about 10 years old now, so I really want to help him out.

Dry docking (leaving them out of water for a lengthy period of time) is not detrimental. You wouldn't leave him out for days though (not sure who may have mentioned that to you but he would dehydrate if left out for that long a period of time.) Basically you are talking about 4 hours a day in water to eat, defecate and hydrate. It is standard protocol for shell rot. If it is not too severe you could clean the areas with betadine and let him dry dock for a few hours. Just make sure that his water is very very clean during this process. And YES as the other person who posted mentioned. Basking and UVB are great for him too. It allows the shell to dry thoroghly.
Again -- really don't know what the extent of it is. To say what the best course of action is. A vet is a good idea but -- keeping him clean and allowing a good amount of dry time is very beneficial.

I have had 2 res for about 7 years, and had several battles with shell rot. Nothing too serious, but enough that caused me to b e concerned. I have used the drying out method, and the turtles are very used to being out of the water. I have also used Betadine as an antibiotic. I use a laundry basket, and a UV spot light lamp so they can absorb plenty of light while they dry out. They do need to go into the water to eat. My biggest issue was to get the shell to grow back. It just takes a long time, even with a lot of vitamins in their diet.

Good luck.

Thank you for your intellegent response. I am gonna expose Myrtle to some sunlight today, 'cause nothing is like the sun. He has a small pool to swim in out side. I have had a UV light on him for his whole life, and he has enought access to it too. I dunno, I may take him to the vet here shortly. Thank you again