The red-eared slider slides around the shell what to do. Why does a turtle's shell peel off?
Turtles are funny animals that veterinarians still classify as exotic for keeping at home. But they, like all other living beings, can get sick and that's when the veterinary clinic will help your turtle recover. Why does a turtle's shell peel off - this is the most common cause visiting a veterinary clinic. Consider the causes of this condition of the tortoise shell and several other shell diseases.
Shell exfoliation in turtles in veterinary medicine is called ulcerative lesions of the shell, it begins as a seemingly natural process, a new beautiful shell is shown under the peeled layer, but this is only the beginning of the pathological process.
If the turtle does not have enough vitamins and a strong immune system to develop a new shell, ulceration of the shell begins. It is impossible to allow the shell of a turtle to peel off - you must immediately run to the veterinarians.
Ulcerative shell lesions in turtles
Shell ulceration is considered a very serious problem. This disease occurs due to dangerous injuries. In some cases, recovery takes several years. This is especially true for cases with a lack of timely and adequate treatment.
It must be remembered that this damage to the shell can be the cause of blood poisoning.
The shell is made up of three layers. The surface layer contains a lot of keratin. The middle layer is characterized by softness. The third layer is based on bone.
Infectious damage to the surface of the shell is associated with a weakening of the immune system and a slowdown in regeneration processes. A possible cause of these conditions is an insufficient amount of calcium in the body. This triggers the spread of microorganisms into the middle layer.
Experts believe that contamination of the surface layer of the shell helps prevent contact with air and reduces the likelihood of bacterial processes. In addition, this has been proven for the oily surface part of the shell.
In most cases, a small tortoiseshell lesion does not show characteristic symptoms. However, delamination and destruction of a portion of the shell leads to the detection of an area of inflammation under it.
Causes of the disease
Detachment and decay of the tortoise shell and the formation of ulcers can occur due to the following reasons:
1. Fungal (mycotic) lesion. Mild inflammation and stench are characteristic. However, a fungal infection is more dangerous than a microbial one. This is due to the absence of clinical manifestations of the disease.
Mushrooms are possible cause extensive shell damage.
Factors predisposing to the development of a fungal infection in the shell are considered injuries, malnutrition, an immunosuppressive state, hypothermia, lack of essential vitamins and micronutrients, etc.
2. Bacterial defeat.
The cause of this pathology are gram-negative anaerobic bacteria. Weakened turtles are susceptible to this infection.
A layer of necrotic and purulent masses is formed in the zone of damage to the shell. This contributes to the creation of conditions for the further reproduction of microbes. Pus has a very fetid odor.
Turtle Shell Treatment
The fight against fungal infection of the shell includes the surgical removal of tissues that have undergone necrosis, irrigation of the affected area with various disinfectants (organic iodine), etc.
More severe cases of the disease involve the use of systemic antimycotic agents. We are talking, for example, about ketokenazole.
In the treatment of bacterial shell infections, an important step is the removal of necrotic tissues to healthy structures.
Despite the aggressiveness of this procedure, it is considered vital. In addition, daily irrigation of the wound with organic iodine is indicated. After that, you need to wash it off.
The degree of damage affects the need for the use of systemic antibacterial drugs. In severe cases, the use of pediatric amikacin is contemplated.
An important measure is the elimination of all violations of the conditions of detention. This is especially true for temperature. In the case of the formation of large defects in the shell, prosthetics with polymers can be used. From the moment the shell is restored, there is no need to use them.
It should be noted that the removal of necrotic masses should be gradual. This is necessary to prevent the formation of extensive wound surfaces.
Now you understand that there can be several reasons why a turtle’s shell exfoliates, and all of them must be taken into account in developing a turtle treatment strategy.
Those who keep reptiles at home should not forget that these animals are also prone to various skin diseases. They are quite strong creatures, but the shell, skin, pneumonia or eye disease can also peel off. If you properly care for your pet, then many problems can be avoided, but still, lovers should know the main symptoms of the disease in order to take the necessary measures in time. Let's take a look at the most common skin problems that can affect the red-eared slider in this article.
What to do when the skin of a land tortoise is flaky?
Most often, this disorder occurs in young individuals. If you fix it in time proper nutrition and the condition of the content, then over time everything passes. But sometimes such symptoms can tell us about the onset of a more serious ailment - ringworm. This attack is caused by fungal spores that develop best in the following cases:
- low water temperature;
- non-observance of hygiene rules;
- stressful situations;
- improper feeding;
- a long course of an antibacterial drug;
- the humidity regime is violated;
- weak resistance of the animal organism to fungi and bacteria.
Aquatic reptiles must be able to bask and dry under the lamp, otherwise they may develop a disease of the shell or other tissues. A turtle with flaky skin often avoids water. Try to inspect regularly the neck, limbs, places where folds form. The presence of the fungus is indicated by a whitish film, plaque, spots on the shell, redness, sores, sometimes the onset resembles a molting process. 
For the treatment of turtles, crystals or a solution of Methylene Blue (about 1 ml of the drug per 50 liters of liquid until a pale blue color appears), all kinds of modern antifungal drugs (Mikapur, Antipar, Kostapur and others) are used. Use all medicines strictly according to the instructions and in a month your handsome men will be healthy. But in severe cases, when you have doubts or fistulas, abscesses have already appeared on the skin, the process is very advanced, it is better to contact an experienced veterinarian. If there is such an opportunity, then it is better not to risk it and treat your red-eared turtle under the supervision of a specialist.
An important indicator of a turtle's health is its shell. The owner of the reptile must carefully monitor it and the change in its "turtle house".
Unfortunately, many reptile breeders miss the initial symptoms of serious diseases, answering the question: why did the turtle's shell suddenly change, like this - "molting began, shell growth, a change in the color of the water in the aquarium."
This article will help turtle breeders recognize signs of illness in their pets in time. The specialists of DobroVet will talk about the most common features of changes in the tortoise shell, and in which cases it is necessary to immediately contact a herpetologist.
What is a turtle shell and what does it serve a reptile for? This is a formation (organ), which consists mainly of a convex upper part - a carapace and a flat lower part - a plastotron. Between them, as a connection, there is a bone bridge. For the uninformed, an explanation - all these parts are “separated” purely conditionally, they form a single whole along with what is inside the shell. It is only in children's cartoons that the turtle easily leaves his house and goes to travel light.
Therefore, when purchasing a turtle as a gift for children, you need to explain that trying to pull the turtle out of the shell or sticking any objects under it is strictly prohibited! As a rule, after such manipulations, the turtle dies. It's like putting a needle under a person's fingernails.
The shape of the shell in turtles depends on its species and lifestyle. In land representatives of these reptiles, it is convex, with horny growths, which are needed for greater shell strength. Freshwater turtles are mostly flat-shelled, while sea turtles are drop-shaped, which allows them to reduce drag when moving through the water.
There is also a soft shell in turtles, in fact, this is the skin, found in the Chinese Trionyx or the Far Eastern tortoise (Trionyx sinensis), which, although rare, lives in private aquariums.
First of all, the owner of a turtle should be alerted by a deviation from the usual type of shell, a change in integrity and color.
Shell damage
Traumatic damage to the shell is a common occurrence for tortoises. This happens when she falls from a height, when she is accidentally stepped on, sat down or pressed in the door. Moreover, the owners do not immediately pay attention to damage. Therefore, the turtle must be periodically inspected, as a preventive measure, for scratches, cracks, chips and other changes. 
If you notice that the tortoise's shell has cracked, even if only a little, you should immediately contact a herpetologist, only a specialist will be able to correctly restore the integrity of the shell and save the pet's life. In some cases, these lesions indicate serious internal problems at the reptile.
In freshwater turtles, such damage leads to ulcerative exfoliation, due to fungal infection.
Shell peeling in turtles
If the turtle's shell is peeling off, this indicates a fungal infection or a lack of vitamin A. land turtle It is considered normal if the skin on the paws and neck is peeling, which indicates the natural process of molting.
In aquatic turtles, a slight peeling of the shell during molting is allowed, but the owner should be alerted if it is covered with large tatters of skin, especially for a long time. This indicates a fungal disease. Initially, you will need to clean the terrarium with the addition of blue to the water. ki. 
Horny shields on the carapace have changed color
Normally, when a tortoise molts, a small bubble with a low tide can form under the horny shield. But if the owner noticed spots on the turtle's shell, or a complete change in color, this may indicate the development of secondary bacterial and fungal microflora or unicellular algae. Often such lesions lead to partial or complete destruction of the shell.
You should immediately consult a doctor if a dark liquid appears under the horny shield - this is a symptom of kidney failure in turtles, which, if not treated in time, leads to the death of the reptile.
In a freshwater turtle, the characteristic roughness of the shell, coupled with pink spots, indicates the development of osteomyelitis. If untreated, the upper layer of the carapace dies off, which is noticeable by the appearance of yellow areas on the shell, and with a protracted course of the disease, the pathological process passes to the bone tissue and internal organs. 
Shell softening
Why do turtles have soft shells? If this is not a natural feature, then such symptoms indicate a lack of calcium in the body. In aquatic turtles, this indicates a failure to comply with the elementary rules of keeping - a lack of UV rays and a lack of vitamin D. In any case, when prescribing treatment, the doctor should examine your pet and prescribe medications. Self-treatment, and even more so to give vitamins intended for dogs and people, is unacceptable. Turtles have their own additives, such as "Kalfos" or "Kalfon".
Algae on the shell
Plaque on the shell of a turtle in the form of algae (in aquatic) should not bother the owner if they are present in small quantities. However, if the turtle is “overgrown” with them, then this indicates too bright lighting or heavy pollution water. In this case, it is necessary to clean the aquarium and wipe the turtle with Lugol's solution.
These are the most common troubles that turtle owners have to deal with occasionally. Therefore, if you notice even a slight change in appearance reptile or its behavior, consult a herpetologist. Remember that the timely elimination of the causes of the disease is the key to a long life for your pet.
Veterinary center "DobroVet"
It is never necessary to lubricate the shell of turtles with anything, unless it is a fungus cream during the treatment of a reptile. The limbs and neck of turtles can be lubricated with a special cream to facilitate molting.
Algae and white coating on the shell of turtles are usually not afraid. You can remove them with Lugol's solution and lemon juice (in half with water), respectively.
Moulting turtles
In turtles, molting occurs gradually, changing in separate areas as it wears out. In this case, a new stratum corneum is formed, which lies under the old one. Between them, lymph begins to flow and sweat fibrin-like proteins. Then lytic processes increase, which leads to the formation of a cavity between the old and new stratum corneum and their separation. In aquatic turtles of some genera, the skin and scutes of the shell (red-eared, yellow-eared, decorated turtles) shed, while in the rest of the turtles, only the skin sheds in small quantities.
For red-eared turtle(jaundiced, adorned, possibly geographic) carapace moult, i.e. regular separation of large scales is a normal phenomenon that continues throughout life. The frequency of molting depends on the age, growth rate, conditions of keeping the reptile, the purity and composition of the water. white bloom on the carapace of red-eared turtles may be due to slower molting and / or deposition of salts from the water (water in different regions, even tap water, can vary significantly in pH and chemical composition). Keeping an aquatic turtle on the floor for a long time without water disrupts the turtle's normal wetting and drying process, which also disrupts shedding of the skin and shell scales. This is one of the reasons why aquatic turtle should only live in an aquaterrarium and not "walk on the floor".
Not molting: shields peel off in other types of turtles, except for decorated ones, ulcers form, large pieces of the shell fall off, the skin peels too much or comes off in layers. This usually indicates an imbalance of vitamin A in the turtle. If the molting takes a long time, the shields do not completely disappear and pinkish-beige wounds form under them, or there are reddish-pink areas on the skin of the turtle, this indicates a fungal disease that needs to be treated.
How to facilitate molting in turtles: it is recommended to make one injection (with an interval of 2 weeks) vitamin complex Eleovit. You can bathe tortoises in warm water with baking soda (1 teaspoon per liter). No more than 2 times per molt, you can’t regularly bathe in soda.
Below is a photo of a molt:
White bubbles under the shields
Sometimes white marks are visible on the shell of aquatic turtles that cannot be wiped off with anything. Upon closer inspection, it turns out that it looks like bubbles under a layer of scutes. What is it?
These bubbles are nothing but air under several layers of the epidermis (micro-stratification). There is nothing wrong with this, it is likely that it will disappear after a few molts.
The turtle has a large distance between the scales ...
If the distance between the scutes of the shell is increased, this is usually due to the growth of the turtle. With growth, light or pinkish stripes appear, which darken after a while. If the distance between the scales of the paws is increased, this is due to the growth of the paw. And if there are not enough scales, this is an injury or a lack of vitamin A, when the skin sloughs off. It is necessary to carefully monitor whether the scales will still fall off.
The turtle has extra shields on its shell
Extra shields are not a sign of disease, it's just a genetic change. There are also mutations of turtles, when there are fewer scutes on the shell than it should be.
The turtle has pink stripes or red spots on its shell.
Too rapid growth of the turtle, and the shell in particular, leads to an increase in local blood supply, which can be manifested by reddening of the seam area, which often frightens the owners. Usually, in aquatic turtles, pink stripes between the scutes on the plastron and in land turtles on the plastron and carapace are vessels that shine through in places of growth.
However, if the spots (usually only in terrestrial ones) are dark red, when you press them, fluid moves there, then either this is a bruise, or (if there are a lot of spots) it may be kidney failure. In this case, show the turtle to the veterinarian and take a blood test.
Turtle has darkened with age
In many species of turtles, the color of juvenile (young) individuals is much brighter and more beautiful than the color of adult animals.
For example, small red-eared tortoises are usually bright green in color, while adults become dark green until the color of the shell is black.
Lubrication and softening of turtle skin
Applying various ointments and vitamin preparations (having a greasy, sticky, poorly removable structure) to the surface of the shell does not have positive effects (since drugs are not absorbed through the shell). But can create nutrient medium for the settlement of pathogenic fungi and bacteria. In order for the turtle's shell to be beautiful and shiny, it must be properly maintained, fed and bathed, and it is better to walk in the summer. Especially often they mistakenly lubricate the shell with Trivit, Tetravit, fish oil, warm sea buckthorn oil, olive oil, vitamin A or petroleum jelly, which is absolutely impossible to do.
On the contrary, the skin of turtles can be lubricated if it is too dry. It helps to soften the skin of land turtles during molting. VitaShell Cream for Turtles by Tetra. This is a specialized non-greasy turtle cream that moisturizes parched skin. Apply by hand to turtle skin daily for a week, then every other day. Ingredients: purified soft water, sunflower oil, Emulsifying Wax, Cetyl Alcohol, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Soybean Oil, Olive Oil, Glycerin, Lanolin, Cottonseed Oil, Steramidopropyl, Dimethylamine Lactate, Protein Reducing Agent, Diazolidnyl Urea, Rosemary Oil, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, FD&C Yellow #6. It is not recommended to use a cream for the shell.
Also on sale is a balm - Herbal balm with lavender and eyebright for reptile skin and eyes care 15 ml. Natural herbal reptile balm for eye and skin care. Contains a blend of medicinal lavender and eyebright extracts to counteract environmental ailments.
– health care product with calendula oil extract (Calendulae flos) for skin care of reptiles, small mammals and ornamental birds. Cares for the skin and cleanses it. sera sanipur W is a topical product for: irritations of the skin and/or coated beak; bites, scratches and abrasions. Accelerates the process of wound healing. Packing volume - 15 ml.
Growth on the shell of algae
Under natural conditions, the shells of many turtles are overgrown with green algae. With a small amount of algae, this is not dangerous. The growth of algae on the shell is facilitated by water pollution with food residues, an unsuccessfully chosen place for the aquarium: excessively bright light, as well as others. similar reasons.
Strong algae growth causes the scutes of the turtle's shell to begin to flake off. Sometimes, in advanced cases, they fall off, and the turtle loses its reliable protection. Algae also create good conditions for the development of the fungus.
- If there is little algae, wipe them off the shell with a sponge.
- If it is not possible to remove the algae with a sponge, it is necessary to treat the shell with Lugol's solution, 1% copper sulfate or Lugol's solution with glycerin. The shell is smeared with the solution and the turtle is deposited for 2-3 hours in a dry box.
- Clean the aquarium, move it away from the window or reduce the lighting.
- It is also recommended to give an injection of Eleovit to a turtle 0.6 ml/kg once.
Brown algae appear with a lack of lighting. It is recommended to make an injection of the Eleovit vitamin complex and wash them off with a sponge from the turtle and from the aquarium. Aquarium lighting should be increased.
Cleaning the shell from white plaque (scale, salts)
Due to hard water, the shell of an aquatic or semi-aquatic turtle may be covered with white, hard layers of salts.
To clean the shell, lemon juice helps very well (as practice has shown), which must be diluted with water and rubbed with it a couple of times. By itself, it is not harmful to the shell, but it is better not to abuse it, but simply pour softer water into the turtle, for example from a filter.
How to wipe paint or varnish from the shell?
Oil paint, if not very dry, rubs off well vegetable oil, laundry soap. Watercolors and some other types of paint can be wiped off with water. Bathe and scrub frequently. Nail polish remover, acetone, and thinner should not be used, as this can damage the tortoise shell. But sometimes, when there are no other options, you can resort to them. Over time, the paint may come off on its own.
Why you can't draw on turtles:
- painted turtles lose their protective color and are more visible to predators;
- chemicals in paint can be absorbed into the shell, enter the circulatory system and lead to a number of diseases, and even death;
- paint fumes are harmful to the turtle's respiratory system;
- the paint blocks ultraviolet light. We know the consequences.
- under the paint, bacteria and fungus can begin to multiply, which will lead to the destruction of the shell;
- in growing turtles, paint can lead to disruption of the growth of scutes.
How to maintain a bright color in turtles?
Unfortunately, with age, it is inevitable that the color fades, but if the turtle receives proper food and vitamins, then the appearance of a well-groomed "sleek" turtle will be no worse than that of a baby, although less bright.
Despite the fact that turtles have a similar origin and anatomy, millennia of evolution and adaptation to specific living conditions have formed a lot of individual traits in them, depending on the specific type of reptile. This also applies to the anatomy and physiology of the shell. Therefore, the processes occurring on the shell or with the shell should be considered in the species aspect.
For red-eared turtle molting of the shell, i.e. regular separation of large scales is a normal phenomenon that continues throughout life. The frequency of molting depends on the age, growth rate, conditions of keeping the reptile, the purity and composition of the water. The white coating on the carapace of red-eared turtles may be due to slower molting and/or deposition of salts from the water (water in different regions, even tap water, can vary significantly in pH and chemical composition). Keeping an aquatic turtle on the floor for a long time without water disrupts the turtle's normal wetting and drying process, which also disrupts shedding of the skin and shell scales. This is one of the reasons why aquatic turtle should only live in an aquaterrarium and not "walk on the floor". 
Another common problem is the colonization of the shell surface by unicellular (diatom) algae. It is extremely difficult to remove them, especially if the natural molt is disturbed. Somewhat less frequently than in land turtles, the shell of aquatic turtles (if adverse conditions are created) can be affected by fungal, bacterial pathology.
For marsh turtle
molting of the shell, like that of the red-eared, is uncharacteristic. There is no separation of scales. Otherwise, problems with the shell are similar to those of the red-eared.
At leathery-shelled aquatic turtles, for example, the Far Eastern Trionix, the shell sheds almost like skin. Because of this, there is a higher probability of injury, bites, fungal infections (saprolegniosis), and algae overgrowth.
At Central Asian (land) tortoise the shell, although also growing, is not subject to molting. It has a denser, dry, horny structure. In these turtles, shedding of the upper layer of the shell is an obvious pathology and usually occurs with kidney failure (accompanied by obvious symptoms of bleeding), trauma, bacterial, fungal, or mixed 
lesions. Such problems require contacting a veterinary herpetologist, because. factors that cause necrosis of the stratum corneum are difficult to treat. The lack of the ability to dig narrow holes in captivity negatively affects the shape of the shell (the turtle loses the ability to grind it against the soil of the walls of the shelter).
Common to the shell of any turtle:
1. The most common cause of shell deformation is an illness at an early age with metabolic diseases (lack of calcium, vitamin D, rickets, hyperparathyroidism).
2. One of the common causes of turtle shell problems is (stones, bridges, dirt), as well as bites from other turtles, dog bites, falls from a height. Such damage leads to its deformation and disruption of the growth or molting process.
3. Too rapid growth of the turtle, and the shell in particular, leads to an increase in local blood supply, which can be manifested by reddening of the seam area, which often frightens the owners.
4. Applying various ointments and vitamin preparations (having a greasy, sticky, poorly removable structure) to the surface of the shell does not have positive effects (since no absorption of drugs occurs through the shell). But it can create a breeding ground for the colonization of pathogenic fungi and bacteria.
Veterinarian Kazakov Artem Arkadievich
Veterinarian Semirotova Tatyana Sergeevna
Veterinarian Pererva Lyudmila Viktorovna
