My turtle has shell chipping and algae. Is it shell rot? How to treat?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Reptile | Aquatic Turtle | Male
Hi, I'm a Mississippi Map Turtle owner, I recently discovered that turtles are meant to shed their scutes. I didn't know as this is my first turtle and he hasn't shed before, I've now had him for 2+ years. There was a lot of algae build up on his shell, and I've slowly worked to gently clean it off. Since cleaning it I've noticed spots on his shell that seem to be chipping away, and spots where the algae grew underneath the shell and created small bubbles. Is this shell rot? How can I help him?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 26th, 2018
Hi there! So sorry to hear about Willow's shell troubles. You can try dry-docking him and just letting him into the water for an hour a day to defecate to let the shell really dry out. You can clean the shell with some very dilute betadine or iodine, or chlorhexidine solution mixed one part solution with 10 parts water 2-3 times per day while you dry dock. Keep in mind, when trying to feed him a couple times per week, he'll want to be in the water for that as well as for going to the bathroom. They will not eat when being dry docked. If here is no improvement at all in a week or so, he may need some prescription cream to apply to the shell. Shell rot usually will be a result of water quality not being ideal. Below is a link to Austin's turtle page, one of my favorite turtle husbandry pages, as well as a link about treating shell rot. I hope you find this answer helpful. Best of luck! http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-mississippi_map.htm https://www.vettails.com/vettails/2016/2/21/how-i-treat-shell-rot-in-turtles
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on June 26th, 2018
You can find them in any local pharmacy or store (CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, etc or even Target or Wal-Mart). Shell rot is commonly due to a combination of poor water quality, poor diet and incorrect environmental parameters.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 26th, 2018
Maintain pristine water quality and environmental parameters. Scrub the area gently daily with a soft bristled toothbrush and diluted betadine or Hibiclens solution. Apply a dab of triple antibiotic ointment to the area then keep Cooper out of teh water for at least 15 minutes to allow the ointment to penetrate. If there is no change in 3-4 days, switch to a topical antifungal cream. Scrub then dab then dry dock for at least 15 minutes. Continue until the spot resolves. if it doesn't or if it spreads, you will need to have Cooper examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating turtles.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 28th, 2017
Typically with shell rot you should take him out of water and place him in a dry area 2-3 times a day to help dry out his shell. Also try a weak iodine solution to the rotten areas of the shell. I would make the iodine solution the color of weak ice tea. If this is not helping I recommend taking him to a vet for a good exam and possible topical medications for the shell. Hope that helps!!
4Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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