Pet Turtle : Fungal Infection

Cottony white or black patches on the shell are indicators of a fungal infection. It could also reflect the onset of Shell Rot.

Remedial Measures
1. Gently scrub the fungal patch (you can use an old soft toothbrush) removing as much of the
      growth as possible.

2. Swab well, the entire infected area with a diluted (5-10%) Betadyne (or any other Iodine tincture)
      solution. Keep a cotton swab dipped in the diluted solution on the infected spot for 10-15
      minutes. Wipe/gently scrub the entire shell with this diluted solution.

3. Pat shell dry, apply a topical antibiotic cream.

4. Keep turtle in a 'warm-box' (maintain a temperature of 26-29oC or 80-85oF) that has no water
      under a basking light for most part of the day, except for two 1-hr warm water soaks, during
      which it can also be fed. Make sure you add multi-vitamin supplements to the food.

5. After soak let is swim for 30 minutes in warm water that has 2% Betadyne (or any other Iodine
      tincture)

6. After swim repeat Step 3 & 4.

For established infections you can also administer (under vet supervision) the antibiotics
cephalosporins and amoxicillin orally.