Urgent Care :: shell problem

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Post Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 3:59 pm   shell problem

How big is your turtle? 10 inches
How long have you had it? 18 years

What is the water temperature? 23 C
Did you use a thermometer? yes
Are you using a water heater? yes
How much water is in there? apx 110 gallons
Are you using a water conditioner? yes (dechlorinator)
Are you using any filtration? yes - large homemade canister with a powerhead

What is the basking temperature? 30 C
Is there a basking light? yes, with UVA
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? a wooden shelf attached to the wall, lined with large flat rocks that she actually rests on
Is there a UVB light? yes

What have you been trying to feed it? she eats Reptomin sticks, cuttle bone and veggies; crickets and fruit as occasional snacks
When was the last time your turtle ate? today

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? a stock tank that holds apx 125 gallons
Is the tank near a window? in a room with a window but not close
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? no

Have you read the Basic Care section? yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? see below

As you can see I"ve had my turtle Goober for quite a long time - since she was about an inch across. She has never had much of an issue with her shell before aside from retained scoots from time to time or hard water deposits that usually come off with a gentle wash. But lately she's been shedding more scoots and they haven't been coming off entirely (in pieces instead). Then I went away with work for a month and while I was gone her filter broke. My husband was caring for her and didn't realize this so as a result her water was dirty for about 8 days :( Now her shell looks bad. It has a lot of discoloration - whitish patches and a dull grey type area on the front. It isn't soft and there's no signs of redness anywhere. Her skin looks fine and her eyes are wide and bright. Her behavior hasn't changed, but I am still very concnerned.

I repaired the filter and changed all the water immediately but it has been about a week and she doesn't seem to be improving. I'll try to get a photo of her when she's dry but for now here's one I just took. Any help would be very much appreciated!
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ChrissyBee
 
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Post Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 11:55 pm   Re: shell problem

It looks like fungus. It can spread quickly when untreated. She could have already had the fungus before the filter broke. Anyway, silver sulfadiazine cream is the best treatment but before you start, make sure the habitat is perfect, that she basks plenty and that you regularly replace the filter media.
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steve
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Post Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 6:06 am   Re: shell problem

Thank you so much. So I just apply it topically? I'm guessing this is something I can get at a pharmacy.

I have the water pristine again and am not going anywhere again for that long so hoping I can get rid of this and keep it away.
ChrissyBee
 
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Post Posted: Sat Aug 31, 2013 6:01 pm   Re: shell problem

The cream has to be prescribed by a Vet. You'll need to dry dock her while you are treating the fungus.
1 Eastern Painted (maybe 1.5yr) - Gurgi
1 Bearded Dragon - Sawyer (1yr)
1 Standard Rat Terrier (11yrs) - Samson
1 Miniature Pinscher Mix (3yrs) - Spike
1 Parakeet (6yrs) - Choochoo
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Gurgi's Mom
 
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Post Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 11:12 am   Re: shell problem

Ok. We don't have many exotic vets here in my city, hopefully I can track one down that can treat her.

I'm assuming by dry dock you mean keep her dry while the treatment is being done?
ChrissyBee
 
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Post Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2013 6:12 pm   Re: shell problem

Put her in a box with the basking lamp or i'd say if you can then direct sunlight would be awesome.
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talal
 
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Post Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2013 3:05 am   Re: shell problem

It's easier to dry dock over night and let her sleep. Just use a box or enclosed area that is completely dark.
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steve
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