Please help! Soft Shell with blue/grey fungus like infection :(

[Shivers78]

Hi,
After being away for 2 weeks I've come back to find my soft shell has strange blue/grey spots around his head with a lumpy bit on his neck. Also it looks like one of his feet is slightly deforming...
I'm taking him to the vet on Monday but wanted to ask your advise.
He is eating fine and seems ok in himself but it doesn't look good at all.
I've had him 2 years and never had any problems. I know they have to have pristine water and admittedly it was a little dirty when I've looked this time.... Also worth mentioning he lives with a red eared slider but they get on well.
Any advise massively appreciated, I'm so worried about my little man
Thanks x

[James_T]

Maybe the RES attacked him and he's got an infection? That's one of the reasons it's not recommended to keep soft shells with any other turts (even their own species). Have you got a water testing kit? if so make sure the water is perfect quality, and add some aquarium salt. What species of softshell is it?

[Graham]

The two of them may have got on OK until now, but things can change as they get bigger, softies are not known for their good temperament with other turts!

Some pics would help, but it sounds as though there may have been a fight and a wound has become infected?

[Shivers78]

Hi,
Yes maybe Mischka attacked him. I think he's a Spiny. I rescued him from a centre so not 100% sure what he is......
I have read alot about the salt but as I've never used it was a little scared about putting it in the tank.
I will get a kit tomorrow. Just cleaned the whole tank today so it should be ok.....
It looks quite severe I will go tak a picture now.
Can he be treated?

[James_T]

At the right doasge the salt will help cleanse the wound, and shouldn't be a negative to either turtle. What are your water and basking temps?

With the right treatment he should be OK. Take some pics, and I'll try to help as much as I can, but a vet visit may be in order, most vets should be able to help with cleaning the wound etc even if they don't know much about turtles.

[Shivers78]

Right just taken some pics. Something else now - he seems to be breathing strongly in through his mouth which opens and closes and his neck is pulsing constantly.
Just fed him again and he's still eating.....
Here is a picture - you can see the spot on his head and then the strange growth bit on his shell/neck.

[James_T]

The picture's not working.

Is he doing the breathing thing in or out of the water?

[Shivers78]

Water about 22 degrees. Basking is around 34 but then I've never seen Nuisance basking! He can get out but I've never seen him chilling out on the rocks.....I just though that was normal.

[Shivers78]

Breathing thing in the water - he rarely comes out the water...

[Shivers78]