Ask a Paw

A turtle’s shell is more than a shield—it’s a vital living structure made of keratin and bone. Unfortunately, improper habitat conditions can lead to serious shell problems. As a reptile health writer with training from aquatic veterinary specialists, I’ll walk you through the most common issues and how to treat them at home—while knowing when to call in the pros.

1. Shell Rot (Ulcerative Shell Disease)

• Symptoms: Soft spots, foul smell, white or black lesions

• Cause: Prolonged wet environment, fungal or bacterial infection

• Treatment:

  • Clean with diluted betadine

  • Dry-dock the turtle for 1–2 hours daily

  • Apply topical antibiotic (silver sulfadiazine cream)

2. Pyramiding

• Symptoms: Bumpy, uneven scutes

• Cause: High protein diet, low humidity, lack of UVB

• Fix:

  • Reduce protein, increase fiber

  • Correct humidity levels

  • Provide proper UVB exposure

3. Shell Cracks

• From trauma or falls

• Temporary fix: Epoxy resin or fiberglass patches (veterinary supervised)

• Keep wound clean and dry

4. Retained Scutes

• Symptoms: Layers of old scutes that don’t shed

• Cause: Dry basking area or low humidity

• Use gentle warm soaks + add rough basking logs to help peeling

5. Discoloration

• Often due to water quality or algae

• Clean shell with soft toothbrush and mild vinegar solution

• Improve filtration and water change frequency

6. Soft Shell (Metabolic Bone Disease)

• Caused by calcium deficiency or poor UVB

• Supplement calcium + upgrade lighting system immediately

7. Algae Overgrowth

• Non-harmful but signals maintenance issue

• Improve water flow and reduce light exposure

Prevention Tips

• Maintain clean water (pH 6.5–7.5, ammonia = 0)

• Provide UVB + calcium

• Balance diet with leafy greens and pellets

Final Thoughts

Many shell issues are preventable with proactive care and proper tank setup. Early detection and at-home intervention can help your turtle recover faster—just remember to consult a herp vet if problems persist or worsen.