Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi, I have a red-eared slider and I got him in May, he was a baby. Lately he has been turning white behind his head and his sides, on his shell. Like a discoloration, it is not flaking or soft. It looks almost like it is bleached. Please help!!

I could not post a picture because I have no url, but if you can help I can email one. My address is: Jessicaturtlepink@yahoo.com
Thanks!

this is a new one to me. but there are a couple things to chech out. 1st- is your turtle still eating regularly or just ignores food. 2nd- does it come out of the water to bask regularly [hopefully every day] for a few hours. and, do you have a good reptile light to bask under.

i hope you have a proper setup for the turtle. all of this promotes a healthy shell.

george

Yes, he is still eating normally. He has a UVA, UVB basking light, and lately that is all he wants to do is sit on his rock. He will get in the water to eat, but thats about it. Thank you

It sounds very much like he has the start of a shell fungus. If this is the case, you will have to clean the white spots with Betadine..then rince it off. Dry it with a clean paper towel, and put some antifungal cream on. I used Lotrimin antifungal cream. It has to have Clolrimazole 1% (for athlete's foot) Put her in a plastic tub under her lights and let her stay dry for a few hours before you put her in the water. If it spread any more ....take her to a Vet. Good luck.