Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, so I took my map turtle to this exotic vet today and he was diagnosed with shell rot. He had shell rot when I first got him because he was taken care of horribly before I got him. I ordered him online and he came in a cardboard fedex box. He almost died that first day. Well, today he had REALLY serious shell rot from year sof being mistreated (I've only had him for a couple months) and he can't even live in water for a long time. He had to have a shot and get the infection drilled out of his shell. And of course that was really expensive. So, I'll be nursing him back to health for the next couple of months.

J.L.

Good for your for helping your turtle; it will probably take more than a few months to get him back to health. Turtles heal slowly. Map turtles are sensitive to water quality, so when he's able to return to the water keep it clean. Hope he recovers quickly.

Thanks for your concern! I'm doing my best to keep him healthy. His shell has been hurting him today and yesterday. He does not move very much and cringes and tries to get away when I put his medicine gently on his shell. I hope he'll feel better in a month or two.

J.L.

Shell rot is a frustrating condition. Your vet has got him on the right regimine for a full recovery though. Just a little time in water to keep hydrated and eat and then drydocked for the rest of day. I have been treating a severely abused turtle now for over 9 months with horrific shell rot and abscesses on his bitten off foot stumps. (someone kept him with a snapping turtle and when the he got two of his feet bitten off never bothered to get him proper veterinary help). He was a big mess but he is recovering. So take heart. Be devoted to your turtle's treament and be patient. He should make a full recovery.

Good luck
Steve