It looks like your spotty has a fungal infection on her forelimbs. This will often cause the animal to either lose the nail entirely or have it break off as seen in the picture. Try different remedies for fighting the fungal infection including cleaning the affected area with a dilute betadine solution and dry-docking, using tea to increase the acidity of the water, making sure the turtles are recieving adequate UVB exposure, and having a dry and proper basking spot. I have even found an addition of 1-2 gallons of local pond, swamp, or marsh water to an enclosure will quickly clear up an infection! If these turtles are indoors make sure your UV fluorescent bulb is at the right distance depending on strength. (8-10 inches for Reptisun 5.0 or 12-18 inches for Reptisun 10.0 for example.) Also, make sure the UVB is not obstructed by plastic or glass. Screen is ok, but for proper utilization of the light, the rays should not be obstructed or filtered. Try dry-docking outdoors under natural sunlight for a short time each day. When outdoor dry-docking I would recommend a fenced in enclosure where the turtle can choose between sun and shaded areas, or a supervised period in the sun. As far as basking goes, if you use cork or wood basking sites, I have found these substrates easily promote fungal or bacterial infections, and I personally try not to use either. Try a different type of basking site if this is the case. As for my last thought, I would remove any other turtle or other inhabitant such as the crayfish from the tank. Another turtle can easily take advantage of the afflicted turtle's situation because it is easily aggressive or just plain bored. Also, try researching other remedies for the afflicted skin and see which works best. Good luck!

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]