Posted by: LKitsch at Wed Jul 11 23:31:34 2007 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ]
One of my RES's has shell rot, and I have begun to treat her based on what I have learned here, in books and from the reptile lady at my local pet store:
Shell-rot is quite common in aquatic species, but usually can be attributed to poor qulaity water conditions. One thing that would need to be evaluated is water conditions, size of enclosure, and basking area.
One problem or actually a couple of problems I note here in what is posted is that: online can be a great source of information (often times in cases like this its not), as is reading books, and perhaps someone qualified working a pet store. However, this information should never be limited, or used to diangnose a problem and without veterinary evaluation and care as many times the type of info exchanged universally on the above fronts causes more harm than good. My first suggestion (and this is from a rehabilitator of turtles and tortoises, with a degree in animal science and on a professional level) is to find a vet. While its important to remove dead tissue, often much more is removed, that leads to a bleed and further compromise, improper technique is employed, thus remving good tissue, and improper care is given to rectify a cure and prevent dehydration and further infection, icliding systemic.
Scraped away soft rotted area
Cleaned her up with an anti-bacterial
Applied extra-strength Lamisil as a fungicide
Repeat anti-bacterial and fungicide twice a day
First question is: was the diagnosis made by a qualified vet that the shell problems were due to a fungus? Bacteria and other organisms can cause 'shell rot' to occur and not all would be treated with any antifungal treatment, much less the prescription Lamisil. I have been working with sick turtles and turtles, including shell-rot and highly doubt Lamisil. as the use of this drug topically or otherwise in turtles is unconventional and I have not heard of such, unless a diagnosis of specific organisms is made, would be utilizled.
Lamisil is a prescription medication given orally for the treatment of nail and skin fungus ( a highly defined organism). Its use for humans in treatment of such fungus problems, and treats specific fungus types. It can also be prescribed topically, however its use in a undiagnosed case of shell rot in a turtle may cause more harm than good. The only way to determine the cause of any shell rot is too seek veterinary care and to have a look for the organism that might be causing the problem. Online diagnostics are dangerous as is self diangnostics.
I understand that I need to do this for at least a week, perhaps two. My questions are this:
All cases are different and no defined time period of proper treat, for the defined problem can be given.
1. I am told I need to keep her out of water all the time, except for an hour a day for feeding.
Not sure who suggested that and I am not meaning to be arguementive here, but aquatic turtles dehydrate quickly, thus another problem. Dry docking or so its called is not always warranted, nor is it needed to properly treat and cure shell rot infections, regardless of organism involved.
I will return her to the pond for that time, unless I need to set up a more sterile environment in the bath tub.
Sterile environment will never be obtained nor is needed, rather identification of the organism causing the problems and the 'whys' of why it happened it the first place.
I should leave her "in dry dock" the other 23 hours of the day, including overnight---correct? Is it OK for her to not have any water most of the time?
I don't agree. Fluids are the most essential part of any living thing and to take that a way intentionally only serves to dehydrate a living organism, not solve an infection.
2. Do I need to worry about limited access to a basking lamp during this time?
Yes, basking helps prevent shell rot and in the wild its natural for a turtle to bask to help treat any problems it may have. Retained scutes often lead to shell rot and improper or lack of basking can ensure the retaining of scutes.
She will have some access to sunny areas, but for the most part will be shaded. I am in So. Cal., so it's warm now---is this OK?
The shade will not prevent nor help with shell rot problems. Please seek vet care for diagnostics and evaluate husbandry.
