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Water Turtle Diseases

Water turtles can make great pets, but they do need a large amount of attention and care from their owners. There are a variety of diseases which can afflict water turtles, and they are also prone to spreading diseases to humans. For the safety of both you and your water turtle, it is important to wash your hands before and after handling your pet. Many turtles suffer from illness and disease as a direct result of a bad diet and lack of exposure to sunlight. Proper feeding and lighting is vital to your turtle's health.

  1. Blood Poisoning

    • Blood poisoning, also known as septicemia, is a common disease amongst water turtles. Infections can occur due to small scrapes and cuts, but become more serious as the turtle passes bacteria through its body. If the turtle is not being fed properly, its body is unable to resist and fight off the infection and its condition will worsen. Bleeding and skin discoloration are signs that the turtle has reached this state. In this scenario, the turtle may require antibiotics to fully recover.

    Mouth Rot

    • Mouth rot occurs in water turtles when the lining of the mouth becomes infected by bacteria. The turtle will likely show symptoms of discoloration close to its mouth and begin to noticeably salivate. The mouth rot disease can come as a result of another illness affecting the turtle or improper nutrition. Vitamins, as well as antibiotics, are used to nurse the water turtle back to health. It is also important that the turtle has its mouth cleaned to assist in the healing process.

    Shell Rot

    • Water turtles experiencing shell rot will begin to grow algae on their shell. The disease can happen due to unclean living conditions (dirty water in the tank), improper feeding, or simply due to an injury the turtle has suffered. Typically, fungi or algae causes infection to the shell and will begin to slowly break it down. Water turtle owners should ensure that their turtle does not have access to shellfish as the consumption of these creatures can expose the turtle to harmful bacteria. Vitamin A and antibiotics in a liquid form can be injected into the turtle to assist in recovery.

    Flesh Injuries

    • Scratches, scrapes, and bites can cause flesh injuries amongst turtles. These injuries can occur due to interactions with other sea creatures sharing a tank with the turtle. Rocks and/or decorations within the tank that have sharp edges can also wound the turtle and cause flesh injuries. Clear the tank of any materials that may be hazardous. Common flesh wounds can be healed using antibiotic creams.

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