Willow_Redfoot
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I keep her substrate mostly dry but it can be hard sometimes because of keeping high humidity. 
Shell rot??
- Thread starter Willow_Redfoot
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I keep her substrate mostly dry but it can be hard sometimes because of keeping high humidity.
Willow_Redfoot
Member
- Joined
- Jun 27, 2016
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If it is should I start with anti fungal cream. I've already done a betadine scrub months ago when I got her.
I'm not an expert on shell rot, but if in doubt an athlete's foot cream will do no harm and treat the problem.
Glomerulus
New Member
The betadine would be done to kill the growth that is currently present. If I recall correctly, you would follow a two day treatment of the betadine with a chlorhexidine scrub for a few days, alongside an antifungal (-azole) cream. If you can confirm that it is shell rot, it would be wise to reapply the full treatment and move the tortoise to a hospital tank with a sterile substrate.
Is tissue sloughing off? If you use a soft bristle toothbrush you may be able to see if the platron has been compromised.
Is tissue sloughing off? If you use a soft bristle toothbrush you may be able to see if the platron has been compromised.
Shell rot is a fungus. It can only be killed off by an anti fungal product, e.g. Athlete's foot cream.
Betadine and chlorahexil are anti-bacterial and will do nothing for shell rot. They will only treated infected wounds. It is possible that there is secondary infection, but this does not look that severe.
Betadine and chlorahexil are anti-bacterial and will do nothing for shell rot. They will only treated infected wounds. It is possible that there is secondary infection, but this does not look that severe.
What you have is surface shell fungus. Treat now and as the tortoise grows the scaring will become less and less obvious.
As was mentioned, any general anti fungal cream will work. The cheaper generic brands work just as well as the more expensive ones.
To prevent a reoccurrence, keep the substrate fresh by replacing it often...especially where the tortoise hides or sleeps all the time. It isn't the humidity per se, but rather the urine and feces in the soil or other substrate that it's living on.
As was mentioned, any general anti fungal cream will work. The cheaper generic brands work just as well as the more expensive ones.
To prevent a reoccurrence, keep the substrate fresh by replacing it often...especially where the tortoise hides or sleeps all the time. It isn't the humidity per se, but rather the urine and feces in the soil or other substrate that it's living on.
Glomerulus
New Member
Both solutions also exhibit anti fungal action, and would serve to decrease the likelihood of a secondary infection occurring. (Especially if damaged tissue is removed)
Just reiterating what I have seen suggested here and elsewhere. It seems to be well supported by evidence, but I am not a vet.
http://bjobeta.bmj.com/content/82/8/919.full
https://pink.pharmamedtechbi.com/PS007997/POVIDONEIODINE-10-ANTIFUNGAL-IS-CATEGORY-I
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Any further use of an antibiotic type solution will only serve to slow down regrowth of the tissue.
Clean once.
Treat with Athletes foot cream for 10 days or so.
The scarring will remain for much longer.
I use orchid bark with plain garden soil over it. A few inches each.
Pour water into the corners of your enclosure.
The orchid bark will absorb the liquid, giving off lots of humidity as it evaporates but leaving the top layer pretty dry.
Clean once.
Treat with Athletes foot cream for 10 days or so.
The scarring will remain for much longer.
I use orchid bark with plain garden soil over it. A few inches each.
Pour water into the corners of your enclosure.
The orchid bark will absorb the liquid, giving off lots of humidity as it evaporates but leaving the top layer pretty dry.
