Posted: Mon Jul 31, 2017 7:35 pm Plastron Question
Hello! Recently Shelldon developed a mild skin irritation on the plastron. She was taken to the exotic-pet vet for a regular checkup when the vet noticed and I learned about it. I had been treating it with a dilute betadine solution according to his instructions and its all better now.
I have been noticing something else about the plastron. Shelldon is shedding her plastron (For the first quarter of the year she had been shedding her carapace and marginal scutes). While underwater, Nothing seems off, but after she is out of the water for a while (When I was applying the betadine solution and letting it dry before rinsing it off) I noticed that the dry plastron scutes that seem like they are gradually becoming loose are very white-dry. Not like soft like a fungus, but just kind of a white-coming off color. You can also notice some very tiny holes in the old scutes. The holes look red when you initially take her out, but unlike a skin irritation, it does not stay when dry, it just turns white like the rest of the dry scute. When the old scute comes off, the area looks normal. Some of the old scutes remain, but she has been gradually shedding them over time.
It was like this when the vet looked at her too, and he did not seem concerned, mainly pointing to the scute shedding and skin irritation.
I guess I just wanted to make sure everything was okay. She had shed her plastron before, but I have been trying to observe these things more ever since the skin irritation.
What is the water temperature? 78 Degrees F
Did you use a thermometer? Yes
Are you using a water heater? Yes
How much water is in there? About 23.3 Gallons
Current Tank: 40 Gallon Tank
Tank Width: 17 In. W
Total Tank Depth: Around 17 In.H
Water Depth: 10 In. (Add 4 In. to Carapace Length)
Length: About 48 In L
Are you using a water conditioner? Yes
Are you using any filtration? Yes
What is the basking temperature? 88.2 Degrees F
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? Oasis Turtle Ramp (Large)
Is there a UVB light? Yes
What have you been trying to feed it? Vegetables and Pellets
When was the last time your turtle ate? This afternoon
How big is the tank/pond/enclosure?
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? Yes
Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? No