Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just pulled one of my spotteds out of hibernation due to the fact i found fungal spots on her legs and face. I suspect the water quality was not as good as i thought. What can i do to clear these up?? She dosen't look too good and is really slow to react to stimulus. All the others look fine and i left them in thier tub....... any ideas i really don't wanna lose this turtle. And no i don't have any good reptile vets around here.........

mike

I'm sorry nobody has replied...where is everyone?

Spotteds seem to need acidic water. I don't know what the hibernaculum was like, but adding sphagnum moss, blackwater extract, or peat moss to lower the pH is a good idea. This helps to stave off fungal and bacterial growth.

For treatment, there are many topicals that you can use. Appropriately diluted Betadine(iodine), Chlorhexidine(nolvasan), Silvadine cream, and some others. Chlorhexidine is my favorite. It is very safe and effective. It is readily available in most shampoo sections of pet stores. It may be available under different brand names. Look for just pure Chlorhexidine in the ingredients. It works for both bacterial and fungal infections.

Some choose to "dry dock" the turtle. Meaning, keep it dry for most of the day and only allow a short time for swimming and eating in clean water. Others treat the water with Pimafix and Melafix (natural, plant-derived, antimicrobial solutions available at any pet store). Add 0.5mL of each per gallon of water. By allowing the turtle to have access to treated water, it can cool off and rehydrate as needed. Of course, it may bask all day anyway. Be watchful for overheating.

I hope this helps. Good luck! If the turtle continues acting listless, it may be a sign of some other disease. The fungal infection may be a symptom of something else.

What were the brumation temps.?