Common Diseases in Turtles: A Comprehensive Overview

Common Diseases Affecting Turtles

1. Cold

Contrary to popular belief, turtles can also suffer from the common cold. When turtles catch a cold, they typically exhibit symptoms such as a lack of energy, bubbling from the nose, and frequent opening of their mouths.

Treatment: To combat turtle colds, you can dissolve a small amount of cold medicine and analgin in water and administer it to the turtle. Additionally, a subcutaneous injection of 0.2ml of gentamicin or 10,000 units of penicillin can be given (for turtles weighing over 0.5kg, the dosage can be increased to 50,000 units per injection). Typically, treating the turtle with medication and injections for three days should lead to a recovery.

2. Enteritis

Enteritis in turtles is often caused by water pollution in the turtle pond or consumption of spoiled food, leading to bacterial infections in the intestines. The main symptoms include the turtle looking around with its head, producing sticky and smelly feces, refusing to eat, and gradually losing weight.

Treatment: Change the water in the turtle pond daily and ensure fresh food is provided. Inject the turtle with gentamicin or chloramphenicol, administering 0.5ml per turtle, with an increase to 1ml for larger turtles weighing over 0.5kg. Continue this treatment for three days. During this period, also add a small amount of chloramphenicol or痢特灵 to the turtle's food.

3. Fungal Disease

Fungal diseases in turtles usually arise from skin injuries that become infected. The distinctive symptoms include necrotic skin with red and white discoloration, and in severe cases, the appearance of mold spots.

Prevention and Treatment: During transportation, housing, relocation, or capture, ensure the turtle's safety to prevent injuries. If a wound is found, apply 1% malachite green ointment or sulfadiazine ointment immediately to prevent fungal infections. If the turtle develops a fungal disease, isolate it immediately, disinfect the pond with a 20%30% lime solution, and apply iodine tincture to the turtle's entire body for seven consecutive days. Also, add a small amount of terramycin powder to the turtle's food for three days.

4. Soft Shell Disease

Soft shell disease in turtles is often due to malnutrition and a lack of sunlight exposure. Affected turtles may show symptoms such as decreased appetite, weakness, slow movement, and stunted growth.

Treatment: Adjust the turtle's diet to include palatable and nutritious complete feed, and add calcium to its food. Increase the turtle's exposure to sunlight by allowing it to bask in the sun for a period each day.

The examples provided by Oxygen Pet Doctor illustrate some common diseases affecting turtles. It's important to remember that prevention is key to managing these health issues. As pet owners, it's crucial to maintain a reasonable and responsible breeding environment to help keep our turtles healthy and diseasefree.