All Turtles Message Board

xVBBB Girlx · Level 3 Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Posts: 321 Location: the US

My RED jaws hase these deep gashes on his bottom shell and today i looked at them and they seemed to be getting worse...he was outside but that was like a week or 2 ago...and i have an older bigger turtle could he be bumping him into things or scratching his shell when he swimms so close to get food? He seems still pretty active but he likes to be out of the water more so he can bask he hardly ever gets in the water and he stis in one stop on land all day...what should i do!!!!!!! ???
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My brother David

shelngav · Level 3 Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 394

I think I posted about this before. Sounds like you should get him to the vet. The care sheet link above I believe has some suggestions for care of damaged shells. You may want to check that out too. Sounds like there may be something else going on as well.

mariza · Level 4 Joined: 10 Jul 2003 Posts: 1339

If the gashes are big and getting worse, you need to get your turtle to a herp vet to be treated. If bacteria gets inside and enters his system, it could be fatal if not treated. Try www.arav.org/USMembers.htm to find one near you.
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""You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed."" -Antoine de Saint Exupery-

xVBBB Girlx · Level 3 Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Posts: 321 Location: the US

ummm my mom wont let me take him to the vet is there anything i can do to make it stop or heal without going to the vet?
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My brother David

shelngav · Level 3 Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 394

It is really sad that parents allow kids to have pets that they are not prepared to care for. Turtles are a big commitment, they can live 30-50 years. Like I said, if you can not convince her to take it to the vet...maybe you could do work to work off the vet bill, then read http://www.allturtles.com/care_sheets/first_aid.php#6. This is what it says. Maybe you can apply some of this advice.
6) Shell sores or holes in shell:

Remove your turtle immediately from the water and keep it dry. To prevent your turtle from dehydrating, soak them for 30 minutes twice a day. Sponge your turtle off with Betadine or Nolvosan several times a day, especially after soaking them. Keep your turtle warm. Drying out the affected area aids in the healing process. Take your turtle to the vet if the problem persists.

You can prevent this condition with a proper diet and clean water.

7) Repairing your turtle\'s shell:

If this is the first time you have had a turtle\'s shell crack on you, I strongly suggest the help of a veterinarian. Here are the basic steps in repairing the shell.

1. Wash the wound out with an antiseptic.
2. Apply an antibiotic.
3. Close the wound with an epoxy.

slidersroc · Level 3 Joined: 21 Jun 2004 Posts: 353

whats an epoxy? sounds stupid but i dont know
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Tim

shelngav · Level 3 Joined: 09 Sep 2003 Posts: 394

That\'s not stupid, epoxy is a type of glue. There are 2 parts you mix together to activate it. I would do this as a last resort only. That just sounds scary. But if the shell is actually cracked this would secure it back together for the turtle, as I am sure a cracked shell must be painful when moving around.

xVBBB Girlx · Level 3 Joined: 15 Jul 2004 Posts: 321 Location: the US

it must be cause he normally stays in 1 spot all day and its on his bottom shell...since thees holes his bottom shell is peeling off all around the holes is this suppost to happen and is it fatal? ???
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My brother David