What's wrong with my turtle?

I have two small red-eared sliders, and one of them seems to be having a problem with his shell. They both live in a ten gallon tank with lots of swimspace, a basking area, a filter and some plastic plants to hide in - I have taken very good care of them since I recieved them as an Easter gift in Spring. Both are active and strong.





Recently, one of my turtles has developed a problem with his shell. At the back top part of the shell, the plates have softened and look like they might come apart when touched. There is a white, thin buildup of some sort on that area of the shell. I think this may be caused from something in the water.





Can anyone tell me what's wrong and how I can treat it, as well as prevent it?





Thanks ahead of time!

What's wrong with my turtle?
Sorry to tell you, this is a serious condition. With all sincerity, you need to get him to a rep vet ASAP. No amount of advice you get on Q %26amp; A, no matter how experienced the answerer is, and or what advice he/she offers can ensure the health of your turtle. This is a symptom of malnutrition and/or lighting problems and is past the prevention stage and now in the chronic stage. If you can't find a rep vet in your area, send a message via my profile of where you live, and I will see what I can find. I have kept hundreds of turtles as pets. Please trust me on this one for the sake of your turtle. Only highly experienced turtle keepers can help you on this one (and it takes even more than a two page answer). With all my years experience, even I would take him/her to a rep vet. I know this is not what you want to hear, but it's the truth. If you take answers for advice, you are going to take chances of your turtle's survival. I wish you the best. Sincerely.
Reply:your turtle might have soft shell, it is a disease that can kill a turtle :( sorry :(


but make sure that it gets good sunlight and water


if he/she wont get in the water take a little bit and rub it on his shell


wont get in the sun? pick him up and hold him to a lamp of a heater or whatever
Reply:You do really need to contact a reptile vet if you want to try to save him. This is extremely serious, and almost always caused by improper living conditions. 10 gallons is way to small for RES. Is the basking area temperature correct at about 85F? Water needs to be heated as well, and kept at about 75-82F. Measure with a thermometer. Do you have a reptile UVB bulb on for 12 hours a day? Without it they can't metabolize calcium. Please read up and make some much needed changes.





http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/


http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content...



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