Pet Turtle : Shell Rot

Also known as Ulcerative shell disease or SCUD it occurs in two primary forms. The dry form is often associated with a fungal infection and needs to be treated with antifungal medications. The wet form is associated with bacteria and often develops after an injury to the shell.

Remedial Measures

1. Remove all secretion carefully

2. If required gently remove the infected scute

3. Irrigate 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.

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

5. 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.

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

7. After swim repeat Step 3 & 4.

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