Infections,
malnutrition and injury to the shell are common causes of
shell rot in turtles. Infections to the shell
can be caused by fungi or bacteria that has gotten into the
shell. At times shell rot will occur in the
shells of healthy water turtles, in this case low water quality
is usually the cause.
Treatment generally involves antibiotics
and the application of Vitamin A, which is why it is important
to contact your veternarian immediately if you suspect your
turtle has shell rot. Also, ensure that the quality of the
water that the turtle lives in is of a high quality so that
the condition does not persist.
It may be necessary to completely
replace the water in its habitat. If you do suspect that dirty
water was to blame it is suggested that you disinfect and
replace all the objects in the turtles habitat. This is because
even though you have replaced the water with clean water,
bacteria may still exist in the land portion of the enclosure
and can then spread to the fresh water.
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