help, Damage or fungus?

Blakey · #1 (**permalink**) 22-08-2007, 07:50 PM

I was checkin over munch cos ive been worrying about impaction and i noticed these sores that have appeared in front of both hind legs. this is the left side (looks like damage?)

and this is the right side(looks like fungus?)

it can only of occured in the last few days, hes eating and swimming strong.

i recently found out his diet was inadequate of vitamins/minerals could this lead to an infected/irritated shell?

Is there a terrapin safe solution to clean the wounds? or straight to the vet?

any help would be really appreciated

Graham · #2 (**permalink**) 22-08-2007, 09:04 PM

Can you post bigger pics?

Blakey · #3 (**permalink**) 23-08-2007, 01:45 PM

hope these can help

Graham · #4 (**permalink**) 23-08-2007, 01:53 PM

Well I'm still not sure from that, what you need to do is "dry dock" him, put him in a plastic box or something with a heat lamp over him so he can dry out (not too hot, normal basking temp), then you can examine the areas properly.
What I'd like to know is do they dry out, or do they remain wet and septic looking?
If it is shell rot then it doesn't seem to severe and should be easily treatable, but let's try to diagnose it accurately first.

Blakey · #5 (**permalink**) 23-08-2007, 06:24 PM

I have him in a plastic viv with basking lamp, how long should i keep him in their? should i make a shade for thermoregulation?

we have tested nitrite, nitrate, ammonia and i cant remember the others, 6 in total, maybe phosphurs and calcium? and all were reasonable.

thanks for your help

Graham · #6 (**permalink**) 23-08-2007, 06:53 PM

Quote:

how long should i keep him in their?

Just long enough for his shell to dry out, so you can see if the areas you're concerned about remain wet.

Is there anything that has changed in the last few days that might account for this?

Blakey · #7 (**permalink**) 23-08-2007, 07:50 PM

hes been in their bout 3/4 an hour and the sore is still moist and white on one side and the other has a moist centre and a lightly browning surround which has a texture like the inside of an apple? seems to be developing quick?

should i set up a quarantine tank as he lives with fish?

I cant think of any changes ive made other than changing his food, all the fish have been in their for at least 3 months most longer, all the rocks are in the same places and have been used for 8 months or so, no new plants

i cant find many good resources for specific reeves care, as i took this one on from a friend he told me what he thought was the right care

thanks for your help

Graham · #8 (**permalink**) 23-08-2007, 08:27 PM

I think maybe it's time to book an appointment with the vet, do you have a herp specialist locally? If you don't know of one then phone your usual vet and ask what experience he/she has of turts, if none then ask if they can refer you to one who has, if there isn't a specialist close enough then the local vet will have to do, but at least you can go armed with some ideas to put to them!
If it's shell rot then treatment is pretty straightforward, it's just a question of getting the right prescription from the vet, the rest you can do yourself at home.
I don't think it's neccessary to quarantine him unless he's with other turts, what he's got is unlikely to affect the fish, although personally I wouldn't keep him with fish anyway.

Blakey · #9 (**permalink**) 25-08-2007, 03:31 AM

took him to the vet today and he said its an ulcerated shell, so i have an iodine solution to dab on the sore. fingers crossed it will clear up

thanks for your replies

Graham · #10 (**permalink**) 25-08-2007, 09:39 AM

What did he give you, Betadine or something like that? Did he tell you not to let him straight back in the water after applying it?

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