Reptile & Amphibian Forums

please check out this link/pic and let me know if you have any idea what's wrong with my 1 1/2 year hold res. i posted a message a few months ago regarding his shell and someone said it was just his scutes shedding, but since nothing's changed i'm worried. i can take him to a vet immediately if you guys think its necessary. please let me know. thanks a million.

-robin
Link

Wow, that doesn't look normal. I don't know what that is, probably some form of shell rot, it sure isn't normal shedding. BTW, are you sure he is only 1 1/2 years old? He is absolutly huge if that is the correct age, what are you feeding him?
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Looks like it could be fungal but I'd get him to a knowledgeable turtle vet soon to be sure, especially if this has been going on a while. Make sure he has a lighted basking area where he can get completely dry. Is he in an outside setup at least during the warm months? You'll have less problems with turtles in outdoor setups. You can visit this link to double check your setup.
Gulf Coast Turtle and Tortoise Society

One thing I forgot to add is if this is a fungal infection, the scutes won't look normal after treatment. They will need to shed to look normal again. There are no soft areas right?

there are no soft areas on the shell. he acts normal and spends plenty of time on his basking area. any suggestions on how to find a knowledgable vet for him? or do i just need to call around. thanks a lot everyone.

Here's some things you can try: contact the nearest Herp organization for a referral, contact the nearest zoo for referral, contact a local wildlife rehabber that deals with turtles for referral

Try Melissa Kaplan's link first then here are some links you can visit for herp vet lists:

http://www.herpvetconnection.com/
http://www.anapsid.org/societies/index.html

Just make sure the vet has experience with turtles.
Melissa Kaplan's Anapsid Website Vet Lists