Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello,

I'm seeking any sound advice. I have two CH White Cheek Mud turtles (Kinosternon luecostomum). Both of which have what appears to be some sort of fungal infection. The areas affected are the hind feet and the soft tissue around the hind feet/legs. On one animal, the toes look as though they are missing. The said areas have a "fuzzy" appearance to them, which leads me to believe its fungal. The animals are all eating normally. It shouldn't be a question of water quality, as I keep my tanks extremely clean. Could it be aggression on the other turtles part? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I wish I could provide pics, but I don't have a digicam.

Thanks in advance,
JW

Sounds like a fungal infection. Very common in captive muddies.
Despite changing water every day, they may still get it.
Fungal treatments for tropical fish work well--especially tetracycline and methaline blue.
But the trick to keeping it away for good ( besides keeping the water very clean)is to LOWER THE PH OF THE WATER. Low PH is a natural retardant for fungus.
Also---and I know you know this already---feed them in a different tank or tub to help keep organic waste from their living quarters.

Thanks for the reply Carl. I have both tetracyclene and the methaline blue, and am treating accordingly. I never had this problem with my red cheeks or scorpion muds, but I guess its not that uncommon, as you stated. Wish me luck!

JW

I had a heck of a time with skin fungus a couple of years ago. The hatchling redcheeks I got were constantly getting it and a few lost a couple of toes. Some African sideneck hatchlings I had got it too. I would treat with antibiotics and keep the water crystal clear but the fungus kept coming back.
Then I remembered an article that a friend did on matamata turtles. Despite feeding well in captivity, matamatas often develop horrible fungus or shell rot. But when kept in acidic water (like what they are found in)they thrive.
Once I lowered the PH of the water and treated with tetracycline, the fungus disappeared.

Thanks again for the repsonse. So far it seems as though the fungus is not getting any worse, and maybe a bit better. Its too early to tell yet. It is very frustrating to take pride in keeping healthy turtles healthy, and then something like this springs up. The joy of working with herps!!

Jay

If you open a tetracycline capsule into a small container of water (about 1/2 gallon) and soak the infected turtles in it over night, you will find that the fungus almost disappears just by doing that. Then lowering the PH and continuing with the antibiotics for a few more days should knock it out.
Oh yeah, I know how frustrating it is to try and raise a 'show specimen' only to have it lose a toe or two to fungus!

Thanks for the tips Carl. I took your advice and the fungus seems to be completely gone. Now the hard part, keeping it away. I'm going to keep up on complete tank cleaning for a whiule, and continue to feed them in a separate enclosure. I have never had this problem w/ my red cheeks or my scorpion muds. Thanks again to all who replied and provided me with tips and suggestions. I appreciate it greatly!!

JW