Softshell Disease in Turtles

Softshell disease in turtles is also known as soft-shell syndrome and metabolic bone disease. A serious condition that results in a soft, weakened shell, if left untreated, it can severely impact the turtle's quality of life. Learning more about softshell disease in turtles can help you take better care of your pet.

  1. Cause

    • Softshell disease in turtles is typically caused by poor diet and insufficient lighting. If a turtle does not get enough calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D in their diet, they can be prone to developing this condition. Vitamin D may be ingested, but it is typically manufactured through the turtle's exposure to natural light. If these factors are not present, softshell disease can occur.

    Identification

    • Limping, an unusual flexibility of the lower jaw and bowed legs are typical signs of softshell disease. You may also notice that the turtle's shell becomes flared up at the edges or pointed down towards the ground. Pyramiding, where the knobs on the turtle's shell become overly pronounced, can also be a sign of softshell disease. The condition gets its name from the advanced stage of this illness, where the keratin holding the turtle's rigid shell in place is deteriorating and giving the shell a yielding texture.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Diet management and environment management can prevent this disease from affecting your turtle. Turtles requires as part of their diet foods rich in calcium, such as like kale, bok choy and alfalfa. If necessary, calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D supplements are available in the form of powders sprinkled on top of your turtle's food. Turtles active during the day need access to natural light or to light provided from full-spectrum fluorescent bulbs.

    Treatment

    • Treatment of softshell disease in turtles depending on the severity of the issue. Turtles that have only a mild case of it can recover through the addition of supplements to their diet and the introduction of a full-spectrum light to their environments. In more severe cases, oral supplements, fluid therapy and calcium and vitamin D injections might be required.

    Misconceptions

    • A discoloration of the turtle's shell is not a symptom of softshell disease. It may, however, indicate a shell infection, which is also called shell rot. Because the two conditions are often found together due to poor diet and environment, a turtle who has softshell disease might also have a case of shell infection.