Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, I'm new to this fourm and need some help please.
I got this turtle from a friend yesterday. I was told he has shell rot, and was wondering if anyone here would tell me how to treat it at home. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks...John

Did you see my reply to your post at the "turtles, what kind?" forum?
Start there
other post

and then read this:

ambo care at the WCT

and this:

ambosexing

and this:
shell rot at TT

and then :

details of minor shell rot treatment

note also
you CAN buy Nolvasan online despite what all these articles indicate. But if that fails you can get it from a vet.

good luck

Unfortunately, most people in this forum seem to specialize in the North American, terrestial box turtles. With these species, intensive shell rot is uncommon. Some people do have the Asiatic aquatic box turtles, such as yourself, but they don't seem to be as active on this board.

If things are really that bad, I would suggest posting a message on the aquatic turtle forum. At the very least, shell rot is shell rot, and they should be able to give you some general advice. Furthermore, check around online. I wouldn't be surprised if there were over a dozen guides to raising malaysians and how to deal with their health problems.

Good luck!

Actually,
as i look over those pics again, i think the case isn't so bad. Much of it looks to be long term damage that will not repair but which is not actually infected.. Only some seems likley t be infected. I think after the naimal is comfortabke in its home for a week or so, i'd start treating the area with a cotton swab of Nolvasan or povodone-iodine (get this at any drug store most supermarkets) and then keeping it out of water for an hour. Then i'd rinse the animal and place it back in its cage . repeat this for several days and after that you will probably see some peeling of the shell.
things to keep in mind:
(1) keep the chemicals out of its eyes
(2) try to remove shell tissue that is loose or soft but do not rub too hard
(3) focus mainly on the plastron as infections there are much worse than on the carapace but do not leave the turtle upside down for avery long time
(4) keep it totally dry (in a safe place, not its enclosure) for at least an hour after the treatment

when the turtle is more used to you and its home you may dry dock it for several hours at a time.

Also get rid of the tiny gravel as the turtle may ingest it...go for something as large as a penny, at least.

Thank you all for all your help. The turtle has settled into his new home quite well. Inside his cage ( 50 gal. tank ) I do have a pool for him to climb into now and he loves it. He's feeding very well and his shell does seem to be looking better.
I will be treating parts of his shell per your instructions and I'm sure he will be just fine and will probably outlive me!
Once again, THANK YOU ALL VERY MUCH, John