Why Would a Turtle Shell Go Soft?

A turtle's shell provides more than protection from the world; it also provides insight towards a turtle's health. For turtles with hard shells, developing a soft shell (sometimes called soft-shell syndrome) is a serious sign that something is wrong with the turtle's well-being. Most shell problems are caused by improper care; luckily, most are also reversible with good care.

  1. Identification

    • Identification of a turtle soft shell can be done through physical inspection. When the turtle is healthy, its shell should feel solid and firm. When a turtle has developed a soft-shell problem, you may note that its shell feels soft in some patches or becomes dented when pressure is applied . At an advanced stage, the turtle may appear crippled and have difficulty moving.

    Causes

    • There are several possible causes of soft shell. One of them is metabolic bone disease (MBD). As people, turtles need calcium in their blood to make sure they have strong, healthy bones; if they don't receive this required amount, their bones will weaken and be unable to hold up the outer shell properly. A second cause of soft shell is shell rot, which is the result of an infection (often bacterial) that damages the shell, according to Dr. Margaret A. Wissman, a veterinarian.

    Warning

    • Soft shell is a dangerous condition that, if left untreated, can result in loss of mobility, deformation of the shell and death for the afflicted turtle. Although the symptoms are slow to appear, once they do appear, they need to be treated promptly and consistently. A qualified vet should make the proper diagnosis.

    Treatment/Prevention

    • Most types of soft-shell problems are the result of insufficient care; to prevent soft shell, carefully follow directions for proper turtle care, as provided by a vet or other animal authority.

      Once contracted, soft-shell problems caused by a lack of calcium can be treated by providing the turtle with a calcium-laden cuttle bone, readily available in pet stores or in most pet sections at department stores. It is also important to provide enough light to promote the absorption of vitamin D. Alternatively, an experienced vet can administer a calcium injection for stronger results. Treatment for shell rot should be discussed with a vet who has examined the turtle and can provide a more individualized treatment plan.

    Misconceptions

    • It is possible to confuse a sick, hard-shelled turtle with a softshell turtle, a type of turtle that has a naturally flexible shell. These turtles have adapted to their aquatic environment by developing flippers that allow them to move quickly and efficiently through the water, along with the soft shells for which they are named. Softshell turtles are not common pets, due to the difficulty in caring for them (even a small abrasion to their shell can cause a serious infection) and their aggressive behavior, but if you find a young turtle that never develops a hard shell, make sure the turtle isn't one of the softshell types, according to David T. Kirkpatrick, a molecular geneticist and turtle fancier.