Urgent Care :: Skin exposure through shell

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Post Posted: Sun Oct 29, 2017 10:43 pm   Skin exposure through shell

Hello,

I am concerned that here is an area on my turtles shell where I can see his skin that's underneath? I just noticed this today and haven't been around since my turtles live in my parents home while I am busy at school. The area looks like it could be from repeated trauma of his nails, but it seems strange why this would happen now.. I am worried about something wrong with him systemically that is perhaps causing such easy injury of the shell.


Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks

Pics:
http://tinypic.com/r/2qb4why/9
http://tinypic.com/r/1057782/9
http://tinypic.com/r/1057782/9

Ps had him since he was a baby now 15 years old
Merbear
 
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Post Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 11:01 am   Re: Skin exposure through shell

A turtles shell is thinner than a tortoise shell so more care is needed to type of flooring decorations and at time even the long nails of a male can wear an area. Most healthy turtles will correct this on there own under good habitat conditions. I would observe well , watch if spreads or get's infected then a vet trip is needed. You may feel softness and even see a discharge with a horrible smell. Observe well !
To help keep the water scrupulously clean and offer a proper basking area. Like heat bulbs get old and produce less heat , UVB bulbs lose there UVB output in time but still produce light. I see most have a flat basking area which is not good , does not allow turtles plastron to dry completely. An uneven to bumpy surface is much better. Observing well and during this time offer the best housing you can the turtle may be able to correct this.
It would not hurt to use an OTC type surgical scrub like betadine on a Q-tip and keep him out the water a few hours each day ,so to completely dry off and allow the betadine to work. This is to help keep it clean to help prevent infections allowing time to heal. Caught it early just watch if it spreads. Others may be able to help with more input and or different input. We have several long time turtle keepers here.
litefoot
 
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Post Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2017 11:13 pm   Re: Skin exposure through shell

When it's breached like that and not from obvious trauma (he wouldn't be able to to that with his nails) I'm concerned because it could be an infection.

He's a handsome turtle! I would take him to the vet.
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steve
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