Shell rot?

Mario Flores

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My baby tortoise has had this ever since I got it and I’m starting to be concerned that it is shell rot
 

Mario Flores

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I’m pretty confident it’s shell rot but what is the best way to get rid of it and what could happen if I don’t get rid of it?
 

Toddrickfl1

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I’m pretty confident it’s shell rot but what is the best way to get rid of it and what could happen if I don’t get rid of it?
Get a cheap tube of athletes foot cream and dab a little of it on there for a few days. That should clear it up.
 

Ben02

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Do you keep the substrate soaking wet? That may of caused the shell rot. Athletes foot cream like said above should sort it out.
 

Mario Flores

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@Ben02 it’s had it ever since I’ve got it (2-3 months) but I do wet the substrate but not soaking wet and I mix it up so it’s not super wet
 

ZEROPILOT

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Shell rot is frightening to hear. And shell rot is actually shell fungus that is out of control and has become infected. An active actual bacterial infection. Not just simple fungus any more. The shell rots, smells badly and starts to break down.
Shell rot is very serious and much harder to treat.
You have shell fungus.
It happens with Redfoot because of their need for humidity and them loving to lay and sleep in wet areas.
My group get it every summer like clockwork. If caught fast, it goes away quickly. It's no big deal.
Apply a smear of athletes foot cream on that area every 2 days for about 10 days. The fungus will die. But the damaged shell carapace will take many months to LOOK healed.
You can use the "dollar store" brand of foot cream or the stuff that costs $12. It all works.
You will likely see it again in the future.
So. The short answer is no.
You do not have shell rot.
You have shell fungus. And it's not yet very bad.
 
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