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Why does my turtle have white bumps on its body? What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | 15 days old | 0.25 lbs

I have a black leatherhead turtle some white pimples occurs on his body what to do

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 16th, 2018

Those appear to be papillomas caused by a turtle-specific herpesvirus. You would need to have Torti examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet to confirm fibropapillomatosis. The "pimples" are actually benign masses. Surgical resection or laser ablation may be an option to prevent larger tumors from interfering with swimming, vision, breathing or eating.

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