Urgent Care :: Slider has a swollen body and white shell.... HELP!

[Baimee]

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

What is the water temperature? 77 degrees
Did you use a thermometer? no
Are you using a water heater? yes
How much water is in there? 60 gallons, maybe a bit more
Are you using a water conditioner? Yes
Are you using any filtration? Yes, separate canister filter

What is the basking temperature? 90
Is there a basking light? Yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? Yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? It's the standard ZooMed turtle dock
Is there a UVB light? Sadly, no. One is in the mail.

What have you been trying to feed it? Pellet food, finally got it to eat greens for the first time EVER
When was the last time your turtle ate? Yesterday, kale

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 75 gallon fish tank
Is the tank near a window? No
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? For hours

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? Turtle is behaving as normal.



My turtle has a swollen body and I noticed that his shell is odd looking. He is pyramided from his troubled youth, and I have tried off and on to feed him greenery or carrots or ANY vegetation without success until yesterday, so yay.

But his body is swollen and his shell has the white around the scutes.Nothing comes off of the scutes, it doesn't feel weird at all actually.

Dear lord, help me out! I love my weirdo!

I'm changing out the filter media in just a bit and giving the tank another cleaning. His diet will be greens heavy so long as he continues to eat them.

I'm really worried about him.

[steve]

The swelling looks more like fat from the pictures. If you suspect it is actually swelling, then you need to take him to a vet ASAP. The white around the shell could be mineral deposits. The spottiness could mean that it's a bacterial infection, but those usually clear up after a shed or two.

[Baimee]

The swelling looks more like fat from the pictures. If you suspect it is actually swelling, then you need to take him to a vet ASAP. The white around the shell could be mineral deposits. The spottiness could mean that it's a bacterial infection, but those usually clear up after a shed or two.

Thanks, if it is fat should it feel....puffy? Or should it feel more solid? It feels puffy.

[steve]

The deformity of the shell would make it look worse. It wouldn't be firm or squishy. Any other symptoms?

[Baimee]

Nothing I can see... He is swimming normally, eating, basking....

Is there anything in particular I should look for?

[steve]

Discoloration and distress. If you think it's getting worse, then take him to the vet. In fact, research for a few in your area. Better be prepared now than look during an emergency.