Turtle Diseases

Diseases in aquatic turtles or other types can produce different effects in turtles. Turtles can suffer from different types of diseases, with the most common being respiratory problems, eye and skin infections, shell spots, or metabolic and gastrointestinal diseases.

Proper knowledge about these health conditions can make a big difference in their care. We will discuss common diseases in aquatic turtles and how to prevent them, in an effort to optimize their health and well-being.

Respiratory problems

The main cause of respiratory infections in turtles is exposure to sudden temperature changes, which can occur due to improper water temperature adjustment or drafts. Turtles are cold-blooded reptiles and need to warm up with the ambient temperature to maintain their body temperature. This means their environment must be controlled because otherwise they can get sick.

Turtles can suffer from respiratory diseases, showing symptoms such as open-mouth breathing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, and weakness. Pneumonia is one of the diseases that claims the lives of many turtles.

To treat respiratory problems, it is recommended to increase the water temperature in the aquarium or the ambient temperature in the terrarium, around 26º C.

Leaving a respiratory infection untreated can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, so it is important to take preventive measures and act promptly at any sign of illness in turtles.

Eye infections

Eye infections are common in turtles and can be easily identified if you observe swollen eyes, eye discharge, closed eyes along with loss of appetite.

Lack of vitamin A or dirty water is often the cause. Vitamin A deficiency in turtles is called Hypovitaminosis A.

The initial treatment is to clean the eyes with saline solution twice a day.

Shell spots

Spots on the shell of turtles can be caused by fungi or bacteria. It is more common in aquatic turtles, because stagnant water allows harmful bacteria to thrive and transmit to turtles. For this reason, it is always recommended to have a good filter and perform regular water changes in aquaterrariums.

It should be noted that you need to differentiate shell spots due to scute shedding when turtles are growing. These marks disappear over the days. Birthmarks on the shell can also remain in baby turtles and may last for a long time. Both are not harmful to turtles.

Pyramiding

Pyramiding in turtles is a problem that occurs when the turtle's shell becomes deformed in a pyramid shape due to an incorrect diet or poor hydration. This problem mainly affects land turtles. It is more common in young turtles than in adults and is related to a diet high in protein and low in fiber, as well as lack of hydration.

Symptoms of pyramiding include shell deformation, slow growth, loss of appetite, and weakness. Treatment involves adjusting the turtle's diet and providing an appropriate environment to improve hydration and physical activity.

Digestive problems

Aquatic turtles can suffer from constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive issues due to an incorrect or low-fiber diet. Symptoms may include loss of appetite, bloating, lethargy, and changes in stool.

Constipation, usually caused by dehydration or a low-fiber diet, can manifest as lack of stool, bloating, and loss of appetite. Diarrhea can result from an inadequate diet, infections, or stress, and is characterized by watery stool, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Impaction occurs when an ingested object blocks the digestive system, causing lethargy, loss of appetite, and absence of stool. To prevent these problems, it is crucial to provide a clean environment, a balanced diet, and seek veterinary care when a digestive problem is suspected.

They are quite common in aquatic turtles and can result from a variety of factors, from an inadequate diet to an unhealthy living environment.

Dystocia in turtles

Dystocia in turtles is the retention of eggs in turtles, occurring when a female is unable to lay her eggs naturally. This can be caused by various reasons, such as stress, malnutrition, lack of a suitable environment for egg-laying, or physical problems.

When a female turtle retains her eggs, she may show symptoms such as restlessness, loss of appetite, or difficulty walking.

Shell fractures

Shell fractures in a turtle are serious injuries that require seeing a veterinarian as soon as possible. A turtle's shell is made up of bone and keratin, and if it breaks, it can damage internal organs and endanger the animal's life. This usually happens due to attacks by other animals or an impact of the shell with the ground.

Do turtles transmit salmonella?

Turtles can produce and carry the Salmonella bacteria in their intestines without showing any symptoms of illness. Salmonella is a common bacteria in turtles and other reptile species, including iguanas and snakes. That is why it is one of the diseases transmitted by aquatic turtles.

It should be noted that contact with Salmonella can cause illness in humans, especially in people with weakened immune systems, such as young children, the elderly, and people with chronic diseases. It is recommended that people who handle turtles or reptiles take precautions to avoid exposure to Salmonella, such as washing hands with soap and water after handling turtles or their habitats, and avoiding kissing turtles or putting them in the mouth. Discover the article where we talk about how the turtle and salmonella are related.

What to do if my turtle is sick?

If you think your turtle is sick, you should take steps to try to improve your turtle's condition with proper care and seek help from a veterinarian specialized in reptiles. Here are some recommendations you can follow:

• Observe the symptoms: Pay attention to any change in behavior, appetite, mobility, physical appearance, or elimination patterns of your turtle. Signs of illness may include loss of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, difficulty breathing, abnormal secretions, changes in the skin or shell, among others.
• Isolate the turtle: If you have more than one turtle, it is advisable to isolate the sick one to prevent contagion to others. Place the turtle in a terrarium or turtle tank suitable for its size.
• Create an appropriate environment: Make sure the turtle has a clean environment, with temperature and humidity appropriate for its species.
• Do not administer medications: Avoid giving medications without the guidance of a veterinarian. Turtles can react differently to medications and some can be harmful if not administered correctly.
• Seek veterinary care: The best option is to look for a veterinarian specialized in reptiles or exotic animals. The veterinarian will perform a physical exam, take samples if necessary, and provide an accurate diagnosis.

More information about turtle diseases

Discover the different articles we have written to expand the specific information on each of the possible diseases of turtles they may suffer from.

In this article, the goal is to provide information about possible diseases of turtles, so at infotortuga.es we are not authorized to prescribe veterinary treatments or make diagnoses. If your pet shows any type of condition or discomfort, it is recommended to take it to an exotic animal veterinarian for proper evaluation and treatment.