My turtle's shell is broken and I see bone. Is it an emergency?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
The shell of my turtle broke and I can see the bone and blood the bone is also preventing the shell from going back in place
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on May 9th, 2019
Thanks for reaching out and including a photo. For aquatic turtles, it is very important to correct and seal the fracture, as they live in water and will commonly become infected. For now keep out of water and allow to dry. A veterinary visit is recommended for tomorrow. Pain medications are needed as the exposed bone hurts. Antibiotics are also necessary. Good luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on January 6th, 2018
Hello. Henry must be taken to a veterinarian immediately. The shell is made of bone and any break is extremely painful and open to infection. Also, the location of the break may communicate worth the lungs or coelomic (abdominal) cavity and this could be serious. He likely needs fluids, antibiotics, and she’ll repair in addition to pain medication. Arav.org has reptile vets listed by state. Good luck Henry!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, i have a turtle that i let live around the house and in the garden however i found him with his two front paws bleeding and the under part that he uses to walk is an open wound, and i can see his bone
Thanks for reaching out about Charlie and including a photo. Sorry for the situation. A veterinary visit is a must. Open wounds need to be cleaned and closed. Antibiotics and analgesics are recommended. Concerns would be he was chewed on by something, so outdoor time should be limited to daytime only. No access to dirt to decrease potential of further infection. Clean now by soaking in warm tap water. See a veterinarian, ASAP. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My small red eared turtle was attacked by a small dog but he survived he hasnt move much but hes still alive. Part of shell was broken off and another piece was cracked. If there something i could for him.
Hello. Henry must be taken to a veterinarian immediately. The shell is made of bone and any break is extremely painful and open to infection. Also, the location of the break may communicate worth the lungs or coelomic (abdominal) cavity and this could be serious. He likely needs fluids, antibiotics, and she’ll repair in addition to pain medication. Arav.org has reptile vets listed by state. Good luck Henry!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
My dog chewed off the edges of the shell of my turtle and it bleedin what can I do will it died will if fell pain :(
It probably won't die, but it is likely painful. The turtle should be seen by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles for treatment. It will likely need antibiotics and pain medications. Depending on the amount and severity of damage, the shell may need to be repaired. Use a clean cloth and gentle pressure to stop bleeding. If the bleeding won't stop, the turtle will need to be seen tonight at the nearest veterinary ER.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I saw this on my turtle today. He also turned a bit pale. What can I do. I put some betadine and washed it off. I also added fungal medicine for fish to the water. On YouTube they said to add salt. Plz tell me what can I do. Thay r like family
Thanks for reaching out about Turtle and including photos. This appears to be a deep wound, possible bitten by the other turtle. The key to success for this is multi-factorial. Water quality must be kept very clean to prevent further contamination. Systemic antibiotics, meaning injections, are needed as topical medications don't penetrate deep, and they tend to dissipate while in water. If you notice aggression, separation is required. A veterinary visit is needed to prescribe medications and guide you on recovery. Turtles can be kept dry for prolonged periods of time to allow the wound to dry and heal, but must be given some time in water to feed. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Is it ok for a young turtles shell to brake
No, it is not OK, nor is it normal for the shell to break. This indicates there has been some severe trauma, or this turtle is not being kept under proper environmental conditions, nor receiving a proper diet. I hope you can have a qualified turtle specialist help you is providing the proper conditions so your turtle can thrive. Thank you for using Boop by Petco.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I just recently found a tortoise in my backyard. It has a big opening on the right side, the shell is cracked on the top, his mouth is a bit black, and one of his eye's is not fully open. I have been cleaning his wound with water, I also bathed and c
Thanks for reaching out about Steve and including photos. These lesions appear similar to ones seen when chewed on by a dog or raccoon. A veterinary visit is a necessity to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Systemic antibiotics are needed, probably injections. After the wound is deemed clean, an acrylic patch needs to be placed to prevent future infections. Hydrogen peroxide is okay to use initially but will indiscriminately kills cells, including immune cells and new skin cells. Keep on clean paper towels or other substate to prevent further contamination. The environmental temperature should reach 90+F during the day to stimulate the immune system. Call your local veterinarian. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
I have an Indian roofed turtle it has white patches on its top shell and also it has (fungus colour) green coloured patches on starting and ending of the top shell the pattern of on its bottom shell is also fading from a spot , maybe it is shedding
Thanks for reaching out about Bucky and including photos. The white areas are exposed bone and needs to be addressed by a veterinarian. Water must be kept in a pristine condition. A topical antibiotic can be applied in a thin layer but systemic antibiotic are likely needed. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hello! Im worried about my softshell turtle as there is no vet here in my place to bring it to so you guys is my only hope. My softshell turtle shell start to have a hole and it gradually became a big swollen and i dont know what to do.
Thanks for reaching out about your turtle. Unfortunately, the pictures are too dark to determine a lesion. A veterinary visit would work the best but if none available you could try applying a topical antibiotics ointment. A petroleum based product will adhere better in water but is still likely to wash off. Keep water quality as pristine as possible. Systemic antibiotics (injections) would improve chance of success. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, I have a musk turtle who fell down the stairs recently and cracked her shell. It is not too serious but I don’t know any medicines which could help her grow her shell back together? Can you recommend anything?
Thanks for reaching out about Reevey. A cracked shell is always a concern for an aquatic animal as contaminated water from the tank can find its way into the crack and possible further internally. These should be examined by a veterinarian, for possible shell repair and most likely antibiotics. The best thing for shell healing is clean water and good nutrition. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Health & Wellbeing
Hi, I have a Red eared slider turtle, almost 7. He’s not a typical turtle and loves to be outside of water and is completely healthy. He goes in water 8-10 hours a day. He recently fell 4-5 stairs which have carpet. I just noticed his right rear leg
Thanks for reaching out about Sheel and including photos. A veterinary visit is recommended, probably with radiographs, to rule-in/out a fracture or dislocation. Even if fractured, some animals will walk on it. Pain medications will probably be recommended at the minimum. Soft tissue swelling might improve better with anti-inflammatory medications. Good luck.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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