Aquatic Turtle Injuries

Aquatic turtles are hardy and well-protected animals. After all, they do have a heavy shell into which they can retract to protect themselves. But that shell, or other body parts of the aquatic turtle, can suffer a number of injuries. Keeping an aquatic turtle safe involves giving it a clean an adequate space in which to swim and live as well as looking out for potential hazards.

  1. Types

    • Aquatic turtles suffer from a variety of injuries, both in the wild and in the home. These include broken or crushed shells, bone fractures, cuts, scrapes, burns and animal bites. Infections, which can stem from injuries, can exacerbate the turtle's wounds or even kill the turtle if left untreated. PetMD notes infections include abscesses, blister disease and scale rot, all of which start with pus-filled sacs in and beneath the turtle's skin. Shell rot leads to soft areas or indentations in the shell.

    Causes

    • A variety of different causes are behind aquatic turtle injuries. Attacks by pets or wildlife as well as colliding with a boat, car or other large object can lead to a broken or crushed shell for both domesticated and wild aquatic turtles. Heating elements in the pet turtle tank, such as heater or light bulb, can cause burns. Aquatic turtles in the wild suffer injuries when they are tangled or trapped in fishing nets or caught up in marine debris, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Infections stem from bacteria or fungus, most prevalent in a dirty tank or environment.

    Treatments

    • Treatment depends on the type of injury. A broken or crushed shell requires immediate attention from a veterinarian, both Pet Education and PetMD warn, adding that pet owners should never to treat the fracture themselves. Proper treatment includes cleaning out the tissue and body cavity then putting the shell back together with epoxy or glue. X-rays determine whether a turtle has any broken bones, and taping the broken bone in a splint and stabilizing it against the turtle's body keeps it immobile until it heals. Treat mild burns by cleaning them, applying antibacterial ointment and using a skin protectant that will keep out water and bacteria. Severe burns require veterinary care, PetMD says.

    Symptoms

    • Some aquatic turtle injuries, such as a fractured shell or open wounds, will be obvious. Others may not be as apparent. Even if your aquatic turtle shows no outward signs of his injury, his behavior can indicate something is wrong. PetMD notes symptoms of a sick or injured turtle include lethargy, listlessness, a lack of appetite or refusal to eat.

    Warning

    • One of the biggest dangers faced by aquatic turtles--and all types of turtles and tortoises--is man's best friend. Dogs and turtles do not mix, and the two should never be trusted to live in harmony, Tortoise Trust says. Even if your dog shows absolutely no interest in your aquatic turtle, the dog may one day decide the turtle looks like a bone or chew toy. Keep your turtle's enclosure secured so the turtle stays in and the dog stays out.