My red eared slider has a soft shell and won't bask. What can I do?

Question

I was washing my red eared slider's shell and I notice the last two bottom marginal scutes are soft and wiggly.I didn't use a lot of force because I was afraid it would come right off.She had soft shell before but I just don't have the money to take her to the vet.Can I do anything to make her shell better?She also don't bask often even though I have a light on a screen right on top of his dock but she still stays in the water most of the time.

Dr. Andrea · Accepted Answer

-Make sure she has a good quality UV light above her no more than 12"- it should be a tube light and not a screw in kind, like a ReptiSun. Change it every 6 months. -If she won't get up to bask, make the area more inviting- put a larger platform, make sure you have a good heat light above that area, make it easy for her to get out, make sure nothing stressed her or scares her back into he water. -If it doesn't work to get her basking and then you may need to dry dock her part of the day- take her out of the water and let her bask in an empty tub or aquarium with her heat and UV lights on above her so she really dries out (make sure to leave her a cool side to go where it is not as hot so she doesn't overheat.) - You can try to soak her in dilute Betadine solution- you can purchase Betadine at the drug store and add a small amount to water to make a weak tea color and soak in water just deep enough to cover her back end 5-10 minutes once daily. This may help if their is infection under the scutes. -If these things are not working and more scutes are loose, then she needs to see a vet for an exam and possibly antibiotics.

My red eared slider has a soft shell and won't bask. What can I do?

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