Posted: Fri Dec 13, 2019 4:04 am Help pink/red spots on shell
Hi, please help with my sick turtle. He was bitten in his feet by another turtle (now separated). It seems like his feet got infected and he started developing pink/red spots on his shell above his legs, on both sides of the shell. Slight diffuse pinkness of plastron as well. Activity and appetite decreased. Our vet has given him 3 injections of Fortaz (ceftazidime) 3 days apart, and has us doing chlorhexidine wipes with 1 hour drying twice daily. We bask him under UV and heat lamps during this time since he doesn't want to climb up his topper dock anymore. We have not been the best parents and were not educated about a lot of things, but are really trying now and just ordered a new 75 gal tank and Fluval FX6 filter. His water parameter are good, doing about 25% changes daily or every other day. Questions: Does this sound like septicemia? Could it be RI? Do I need blood cultures? Is Fortaz better than Baytril? How long of an antibiotic course until cured? Should I wipe with anything else, e.g. silver sufadiazine, betadine, Neosportin, etc? What else should I feed him if he doesn't want to eat anything but freeze dried crickets and occasional pellets? Thank you all. Pics attached.
How big is your turtle? 7"
How long have you had it? 8 years
What is the water temperature? 80
Did you use a thermometer? Yes
Are you using a water heater? Yes
How much water is in there? 35 gal
Are you using a water conditioner? Yes
Are you using any filtration? Eheim 2217
What is the basking temperature? 85
Is there a basking light? Yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? Yes but he does not bask anymore
What kind is it or what is it made out of? Plastic ramp to topper
Is there a UVB light? Yes, now
What have you been trying to feed it? Reptomin pellets, freeze dried crickets. Won't eat veggies.
When was the last time your turtle ate? Today, 2 crickets
How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 37 gal
Is the tank near a window? 12 feet from window
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? Decreased swimming, decreased appetite.