What Is Turtle Shell Rot?

A turtle can live for 50 years in the proper environment. This reptile does not like to be held or played with, and will prefer to stay in its tank. To keep your turtle alive and happy, provide it with adequate nutrition and a healthy home. If your tank isn't clean, then your turtle is at risk of conditions like shell rot. Without treatment, shell rot can get into your turtle's bloodstream and be fatal.

  1. Symptoms

    • A lesion or ulcer eroding the shell is a symptom of shell rot. There can be multiple lesions, and the lesions can be on the surface or deep within the shell. Other shell rot symptoms include cracks, breaks and minimal-to-extreme discoloration. The shell may also omit a foul odor.

    Treatment

    • A veterinarian must see a turtle with shell rot as soon as possible. The vet will inject antibiotics injected into the turtle or apply antibiotics topically to stop the infection from spreading. Clean your turtle's shell daily to remove dead tissue. In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair deep lesions. Acrylic and fiberglass may be adhered to the turtle's shell for treatment.

    Causes

    • Bacteria, fungi and algae cause shell rot. A turtle will encounter these in a dirty tank or habitat, and from other turtles. An injury to a turtle that leaves an open lesion on its shell can cause shell rot.

    Preventive Measures

    • Practice proper aquatic hygiene to prevent your turtle from getting shell rot. Use antifungal and antialgae products in your turtle's tank. Have a vet check new turtles and aquatic animals before putting them in the same environment as your turtle. Take your turtle to see a veterinarian once a year.