What are some of the common problems in aquatic turtles?
Aquatic turtles, such as the red-eared slider, African sideneck, painted, mud, and common musk turtles, have several unique problems. Understanding these problems will allow you to better care for your pet and minimize future health care issues.
The most-noted problems include cystic calculi, tissue prolapses, irregular shell growth, shell fractures or trauma, algae on the shell, skin and shell sloughing, Salmonella infection that can be passed to humans, dystocia, and hibernation.
Cystic calculi
Commonly called bladder stones, cystic calculi occur when minerals from the diet form crystals in the urine, which then stick together and form stones. This condition usually results from improper nutrition and/or dehydration.
When a turtle has cystic calculi, there may be blood in its droppings, or you may notice it straining and grunting to have a bowel movement. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, palpate the turtle’s abdomen, and take X-rays (radiographs) to diagnose the problem. Removal of the stones generally requires surgery, plus fluid therapy to prevent kidney damage. Your veterinarian will discuss dietary and environmental modifications to try to prevent stones from reforming.
The protective shell of a turtle makes surgery difficult. Two techniques are available for performing surgery on organs contained within the shell. One technique involves cutting the shell and then repairing it following the procedure. The second technique involves making an incision in front of and through the muscles of the pelvis and hind limbs to enter the abdominal cavity. Both require the experience of a knowledgeable reptile veterinarian.
Tissue prolapses
In turtles, a prolapse occurs when an organ (such as the intestine, cloaca, urinary bladder, uterus, or penis) protrudes from the vent (the opening in the underside of the tail from which the turtle passes feces and urates). In male turtles, the penis (which is a surprisingly large organ with a spade-shaped end) may periodically prolapse out of the vent and become visible outside the body when the turtle is stressed or acting sexual, but then it should revert into the shell easily. This is not a problem if the penis can go back in. If the penis stays outside the shell, it can become traumatized and swollen or can be bitten by another turtle, preventing it from reverting into the shell and ultimately causing a serious problem.
Similarly, a turtle with inflammation of the lower digestive tract may strain to defecate and prolapse part of the large intestine or the cloaca (the common chamber into which the gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary tracts empty) out of the vent. Causes of an inflamed intestinal tract are usually either intestinal parasites or a bacterial infection. This is not a normal occurrence and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately.
"Any prolapsed tissue represents a potentially life-threatening problem that should be seen by a veterinarian immediately."
Any exposed tissue can become traumatized, become dried out, or suffer from compromised blood flow. Any prolapsed tissue may be viewed by other animals in the same tank as something to eat, and they will readily bite at the exposed tissue. In general, any prolapsed tissue represents a potentially life-threatening problem that should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Irregular shell growth
If you notice that your turtle's shell is growing irregularly, it may be a sign of malnutrition or metabolic bone disease (MBD). By the time you notice any type of abnormal shell growth, the underlying problem has likely been going on for a while and may have serious long-term effects on the turtle's health. The shell may be soft, bumpy, or asymmetrical. The problem may be due to an inappropriate diet, too high in protein and fat, or a diet that is imbalanced in vitamins and minerals. The turtle also may not be getting adequate levels of ultraviolet light. Any turtle with an abnormal shell should be checked by a veterinarian so that appropriate treatment can be initiated, and environmental and dietary factors can be corrected.
Shell fractures or trauma
Most turtles’ shells are remarkably strong, but they can be injured by blunt trauma. Wild turtles, like red-eared sliders and painted turtles, are commonly found on the side of the road after getting hit by cars and suffering from serious shell fractures. Pet turtles may accidentally be dropped or may fall off tables if they escape from their aquariums or are left unattended.
Family pets, such as dogs and cats, may chew on a helpless turtle, causing severe damage to the shell (or legs and head). Although shell fractures can be serious, the shell is a formation bone and can often be repaired. Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. Shell fractures can become infected, or the blood supply permanently damaged, within hours of the traumatic event, so time is of the essence for proper veterinary care.
Algae on the shell
Green algae commonly grows on the outside of the shell and can be cleaned with periodic brushing of the shell with disinfectant cleaners. Algae growth is commonly a reflection of a dirty tank, inadequate water filtration, or infrequent water changes. It is essential that you use a water filtration system to keep the tank clean and be sure to change the filter regularly. Excessive algal growth on the shell can penetrate the shell surface and may require medical attention from a veterinarian.
Skin and shell sloughing
Turtles’ skin periodically (and normally) sheds off in pieces. In the water, shed skin appears as a whitish, "fuzzy" substance that is sometimes mistaken for fungus or other disease. Full-thickness shedding of skin, leaving raw or bleeding areas, is clearly abnormal and may be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection, hypovitaminosis A (vitamin A deficiency), burn, or trauma.
The scutes (plates) of the shell normally flake off as the turtle grows. Check the shell closely for any signs of abnormalities that suggest disease. If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian.
Salmonella
Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Infected animals and people carry the bacteria in their gastrointestinal tracts and shed the bacteria in their feces, serving as a source of infection to others.
In susceptible people and animals, salmonellosis can cause severe gastrointestinal disease, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, fever, or septicemia (blood infection). Young children, elderly people, and the immunocompromised are most at risk of developing severe disease from Salmonella. Turtles are not the only reptiles that can carry Salmonella, but many species of aquatic turtles carry the infection asymptomatically, meaning the bacteria is in their system, but they do not show signs of illness.
During the mid-1970s, some young children contracted Salmonella from their pet turtles. Many of these children did not exercise proper hygiene (such as washing their hands after handling the turtles and even placing the turtles in their mouths). Legislation was then passed in the United States that made it illegal to sell turtles with a shell length smaller than 4 inches (10 cm), to try to prevent children from putting small turtles into their mouths. Before purchasing a turtle, check the laws in your municipality regarding legal ownership of pet turtles.
"Wash your hands thoroughly with disinfectant soap every time you handle or feed your reptile, or clean its cage items, to minimize risks of contracting salmonellosis."
Prevention, through proper hygiene, is the best way to prevent salmonellosis. Properly clean and disinfect the turtle’s tank on a weekly basis. Clean up all feces right away. Have a dedicated area for cleaning your reptiles’ items. Always clean your turtle’s tank separate from the areas where human items are cleaned. Most importantly, wash your hands thoroughly with disinfectant soap every time you handle or feed your reptile, or clean its cage items, to minimize risks of contracting salmonellosis. Since most turtles that carry Salmonella are not ill, they usually require no treatment.
Hibernation
If given the opportunity, most wild aquatic turtles attempt to hibernate, depending on the subspecies and its native locale. During hibernation, they will stop eating and slow their movements. Their metabolism also slows, and their immune system function becomes suppressed. In captivity, if the photoperiod (daytime length) is kept at 12–14 hours and the environmental conditions stay warm, turtles typically do not hibernate. Most veterinarians feel it is best to prevent captive aquatic turtles from hibernating, since hibernation is stressful on the body and sub-clinical illnesses can manifest during this time, when they may become immunocompromised.
Dystocia
X-ray of an egg-bound turtle.Dystocia, or egg binding, occurs when the female turtle is unable to pass her eggs. It is a common problem in reptiles and can be life-threatening. It is caused by a variety of factors. Most commonly, it is associated with poor husbandry, including improper environmental temperature or light cycles, inadequate nest sites, and/or improper diet (malnutrition).
Other contributing factors include the age and physical condition of the animal, injury to or physical obstruction of the reproductive tract from deformed or over-sized eggs, physical abnormalities in the reproductive tract or pelvis, infections, constipation, abscesses, or other masses. A healthy, gravid (with eggs) turtle may not eat, but will still be bright, active, and alert. A gravid turtle with dystocia typically does not eat and rapidly becomes sick, lethargic, or unresponsive.
A veterinarian familiar with reptiles should examine any turtle with these signs immediately. Physical examination, blood tests, and X-rays (radiographs) will be used to help diagnose the cause of dystocia and determine whether medical or surgical procedures are best indicated in treating these animals.
