Causes of Turtle Scabies: Understanding the Disease's O

Section 1: Symptoms of Turtle Scabies

When turtles contract scabies, the early stages are marked by the appearance of one or more white scabs, resembling soybeansized nodules, on their neck, carapace, head, and limbs. These scabs tend to grow and protrude, leading to the破裂 of the skin's epidermis. Applying pressure to the scabs may release a yellow or white, grainy substance, accompanied by a foul smell. As the condition worsens, the affected turtles may experience selfdissolving scabs, increased inflammation, and skin ulcers that can form cavities, often leading to perforation. The turtles may also show a decrease in appetite or complete loss of appetite, weight loss, inability to open their eyes, and a dull response, ultimately leading to weakness and death. Typically, turtles succumb to the disease within 2 to 3 weeks after infection. Postmortem examination of affected turtles often reveals enlarged livers, congested spleens, congested lungs, inflamed intestinal mucosa, and darkened intestinal contents.

Section 2: Causes of Turtle Scabies

Turtle scabies is characterized by its high incidence, strong infectivity, and high mortality rate. The disease is most prevalent from May to September, with a peak during May to July when temperatures range from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius and water temperatures hover around 30 degrees. In environments with good water quality, turtles can carry the bacteria. However, if the environment becomes polluted or the turtle's skin is injured, the bacteria can multiply rapidly, leading to infection.

Section 3: Treatment Methods for Turtle Scabies

Upon discovering scabies in a turtle, immediate isolation and treatment are crucial. First, the contents of the scabs should be squeezed out, and the wounds should be disinfected with iodine before applying oxytetracycline powder. Next, a cotton ball soaked in oxytetracycline or gentamicin ointment should be inserted into the affected areas. Lastly, the turtle should be kept in shallow water, as it may have reduced appetite or stop eating altogether. In such cases, owners should forcefeed the turtle and add antibiotics to its diet. However, for young turtles, forcefeeding should be avoided. Since turtles are sensitive to gentamicin, older turtles may benefit from intramuscular injections of gentamicin. If the owner lacks experience in administering injections, regular medication changes should suffice to prevent further harm.

Prevention is key in managing turtle scabies. Owners should ensure a safe environment by removing sharp objects like angular stones from the aquarium and, if possible, soak the turtles in erythromycin solution after hibernation or every six months to disinfect them. Additionally, it's important to regularly disinfect turtle care equipment and maintain clean and good water quality to prevent external infections.

This concludes the overview of the causes, symptoms, and prevention methods for turtle scabies. Prevention is paramount, and owners must prioritize maintaining cleanliness for both the turtles and their living environment to reduce the likelihood of infection.