My turtle has a red spot on its shell. Is it shell rot or an injury?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
My turtle has and redish-white spot on the bottom side of his shell. It's not even orange or shows any of his markings. There is a red ring around it. Is this shell rot?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 26th, 2017
It appears as if Franklin is missing a pectoral scute. This can be due to trauma, infection or a combination of the two. A turtle can develop infection from something as "minor" as a scratch on the shell. Have Franklin examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. He may need treatment and systemic antibiotics. In the meantime, maintain pristine water quality which will aid in healing and limit secondary infection and other complications. Consider increasing ambient temps by a few degrees to aid in recovery. Franklin may ultimately need to be dry docked (kept out of water) for most of the day until he heals.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 18th, 2019
That looks like there was severe trauma. The scutes may regrow to a certain point, however they will never look like the original shell. As long as there is no bleeding, discharge or softness, there is nothing that needs to be done. Maintain pristine water quality, feed a balanced diet, supplement with a multivitamin and calcium powders and continue to provide unfiltered UVB lighting. All these will promote shell regrowth and shell health. You can have Zero physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to confirm there is no infection.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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