Shell rot in softshell

[Kohm]

Hi,

I have a juvenile chinese softshell that has a recurring problem with shell rot on his carapace. Each time it occurs, I can treat it by isloating him, and medicating his water with an anti-bacteria medication. His shell soon heals.

However, as soon as I return him to the aquaterrarium, the rot will occur again. The affected area is always just above the tail. There are also a lot of purplish-blue lines on his carapace at the same time, which might be scratches and therefore, related.

I don't see any possible problem with the conditions he is kept in; the tank is devoid of any sharp edges which may cut or abraise him. He should not have any calcium deficiency since I am feeding him dried shrimp daily. His tankmate kept under identical conditions has never suffered any similar condition, though it is now almost twice his size and weight.

Is the problem with the turtle, or am I doing something wrong? Should I change his medication? Or renovate the tank?

Thanks a lot!
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[maturtlerescue]

Hi,

I'm not sure if you have resolved the problem of recurring infection with your softshell, but I am going to offer some comments and a few suggestions. But first a question. What is the medication you are adding to the water? MelaFix is an aquarium product that I find works well with aquatic turtles for skin and shell probelms.

You said that this is recurring in the same spot and this leads me to beleive that at one time an injury occured and it has never fully healed. Soft shells do have problems with fungal and shell rot. It is extremely important with soft shells that the water is acidic with a high tannin level. The PH should be at about 6.5.

Debbie
[addsig]

[Kohm]

Thanks Debbie,

It happened again after I reintroduced him into the terrarium after a long spell in "solitary confinement". It healed after he shed once, and he looked great. This time, the injury is much more severe.

But I think I've solved it. He was getting attacked by another larger juvenile. This time's wound shows ... ouch ... bite marks. And it's not just on his shell, but some on his neck. It's been really stupid of me to take so long to realise it. I think the wound heals fine, it's just that the other turtle attacks him in his weak spot, which is a healed injury.

Anyway I'm back to square one, and I'm starting a new stretch of healing. . I've fashioned a proper, separate terrrarium for him, and he'll just stay alone. I thought that he liked company because he was extra active in the terrarium, but what he needs is some deep water and gravel to dig in, because now he is just as active alone, and he's feeding well. He looks fine.

Anyway, I may just change my medication, since it is an antibacterium which just prevents infection rather than help healing. What can I use to help a wound heal faster?

Thanks again for all the help!
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[maturtlerescue]

Hi

I'm not sure how bad the wounds are from what you describe, but you do want something that will prevent infection. Sometimes just keeping the wounds extremely clean works, while other times wounds require injectable antibiotics. There really isnt anything I can recommend for a product that will hasten healing. The key here is to prevent infection by keeping the wounds clean and if in doubt see a vet.

You say you are using some gravel: what kind of gravel are you using? Small stones can be problematic because they can damage the shell and turtles can injest them and this can lead to impaction.

Quite commonly turtles do get seriously hurt by their room mates and seperation needs to be done. I didnt think to ask you about aggression, should have though, when I first saw your post and responded. It does make perfect since though since this is only occuring in one of the two turtles and in all liklehood if it were environmental both animals would be affected.

Debbie
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[Kohm]

Thanks Debbie,

I'm keeping him clean, changing water in his tank every other day, and putting in the same anti-bacterium to prevent infection. He looks much better, and I guess his wound is on the way to healing. I'm using a small-sized gravel, which relative to him is quite large, so he is unlikely to ingest it. It is smooth so I don't think it will damage his shell.

I am thinking of changing to smooth sand. I know they should not be used in tortoise tanks as a terrestrial substrate, but what about as an underwater substrate?

Oh yes, I wanted to thank you for coming to perk up our turtle forum. It's usually very s-l-o-w with few posters and replies, becuase turtles are not very widely kept, but you've made it livelier.

Thanks a lot!
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