Red-Eared Slider Shell Injury

Symptoms

• Shell is cracked, chipped, broken, bleeding

Cause

• Collision with sharp object in enclosure
• Contact with a predator (ex: the family dog)
• Bullying from other turtles
• Disease

Treatment

Rinse the shell with saline (how to create sterile saline solution) and apply povidone iodine antiseptic. Allow to dry before placing the turtle back in its tank.

In the case of severe injuries, cover the treated area with sterile gauze and consult an experienced reptile veterinarian. The turtle may need to be dry docked for recovery.