General Care Discussion :: Shell rot problem, i think

[Blue Flamingo]

Months ago I rescued a RES I think he has shell rot. His shell is sometimes flaky and he has small holes on the top and bottom of is shell. However the holes look to be only on the surface. I have waxed his shell i dont know if that helped. I cant afford to go to a vet. Do you have any advise or home remedies i could use.
He eats fine and his shell does not smell funky and is not slimy

He has a water heater, filter, and basking area (only reguler bulb for now)

From Sam and Ivan The Turtle

[marisa]

Does your turtle get out of the water to bask? Can you post a pic of the shell dry?

There's some good info on shell problems here: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/medshell.htm See if any of the descriptions/pics are similar to what hour turtle has. If you want some opinions here, that picture would be helpful...

Your turtle needs a UVB light if he can't get unfiltered sunlight at least a few times a week. Shell problems are bound to occur without proper lighting.

[Blue Flamingo]

I do occasionally see him basking, sometimes even when the light is off. When I turn the light on he slids back into the water. Can his light be to bright. Its one of those tube light, not sure what the wattage is.

I can try to get that pic for you as soon as possible.

[jenaero]

I wouldn't wax his shell. If it is rot (which will need to be treated by a vet) the shell needs to get oxygen and wax will block that.

[marisa]

Yes, if you're using Vitashell or anything else similar, stop it. The shell needs to breathe.

Is the light he has a UVB light for basking reptiles (not one for fish)? It should say so on the package the light came in. If you're just using a flourescent UVB light, he also needs a light for heat (can be a regular lightbulb) to make the basking area temp 88-90F.

[Blue Flamingo]

Well I wont put anymore wax on his shell. Im getting a UVB and UVA bulb on Monday. I also looked around for a affordable vet in case it is shell rot.(I may have to bum some money off my mom) I should be able to get the pics up by Sunday hopefully. I have to borrow my cousins digital camera.

Thanks

[Blue Flamingo]

My cousin lost her hookup thingy for her digital camera so i cant post a pic. However i have been looking for an affordable vet. Which i found. I'll take him next week hopefully. If my cousin finds the hookup thing I'll still post the pic. In case your are curious of what it looked like. Ill tell you what the vet has to say also.

Thanks for your help