I think my turtle has shell rot!

[shopaholic]

I have a red ear slider turtle. I've had him since he was a hatchling and he is about 2 now. He stays in a water tank and has a floating dock where he can get out and dry off and sit in his heat lamp. He sleeps/eats in the water though.

Lately his shell has some white circular spots. Mostly on the very end by his tail. I thought it was from him bumping his rocks (we have 2 larger rocks for him to climb up on). Its not going away and the more I research it seems he is getting shell rot.

Has anyone dealt with this before and what did you do? Right now all I have at the house is conditioning cream for his shell and I put some on this morning. I am reading that there are ointments but I can't find a specific name. I am planning on going to our local pet store either tonight or tomorrow.

As far as I know he isn't in pain and he doesn't stink (they said it could start to smell). We clean his water every few weeks but we have a filter so its fairly clean. I want to get it under control so it won't spread or come back. And once you do have it under control how do you prevent it from coming back?

[skraus75]

I've had a red eared slider for about 7 years. He is overall very healthy. However, when I suspected shell rot in the past, I went to the vet. The visit only cost me $30 and gave me tons of peace of mind. I'd do that if possible. It's a little harder to find a reptile vet but you'll probably feel better. Good luck -- I wish him health. Keep us posted!

[shopaholic]

BF stopped at the pet store last night. They had ointments but I guess it was preventative not for curing. They suggested we use these tablets that are mainly used for fish but she said it would work well for him too. We have to drop the tablets in his tank for 5 days straight. We tried one last night and he is trying to eat the stupid thing. I swear my turtle is very naughty for being a turtle!

[skraus75]

We tried one last night and he is trying to eat the stupid thing. I swear my turtle is very naughty for being a turtle!
My turtle will try to eat anything too! I think that is their MO. :) Hope he starts looking better.

[shopaholic]

it seems to be getting better, but then again it wasn't terribly bad to begin with. His water is getting super cloudy now but we were told not to change it until we are done with the disolvable tablets.

[shopaholic]

Friday marked the 5th day of treatment. His water was getting so cloudy from the tablets, it was driving me crazy. We cleaned his tank out on Saturday and he is looking much better.

[skraus75]

I hate dirty tanks -- drives me nuts too. It sounds like, though, that things are getting better. :) I'm so glad!