Has my hermann got shell rot?

jo__ · 11-07-2006, 08:21 AM

Hi, Im really worried about my male hermann terry. A while ago it appeared he had worn down the back of his shell slightly through mating behaviour. However when I checked his shell over last night, it seems to have got much worse! It has increased in size, and I can see different 'layers' inside the shell. He is my only tort, he isn't lucky enough to have a female for company, but he often trys to mate with anything he can mount!! Don't laugh but he especially likes trainers...so to keep him from our feet all the time he has an old one to play with. Its normally on the grass, but he keeps pushing it onto the patio area, which is where the damage to his shell was caused. Anyway...i have been looking at various sites online and it doesn't appear to be shell rot...but there is definately some type of shell damage there. What shall I do? I have included some pics (couldnt get them very clear) but they do show where the damage is. Any advise appreciated, Jo x

Becks · 11-07-2006, 08:34 AM

hi there
is it possible u can get a close up picture of the damaged part of the shell will be easier to see .. thanks
luv becks xxxxxxxx

Becks · 11-07-2006, 08:40 AM

if it is shell rot then this is wht the tort trust advise to do ...
Shell rot: This is often caused by injuries and sometimes ticks. Treatment includes the removal of any loose shields and thorough cleaning daily with a solution of Nolvasan or Betadine. Exposure to air will aid cure. Where this treatment fails, flamazine can be applied once daily after thorough cleaning. Advanced cases may need simultaneous administration of an injectable antibiotic from your veterinarian

im sure some 1 wil be along soon who maybe able to help you more than i can..
luv becks xxxxxxx

sandy · 11-07-2006, 09:06 AM

If it is shell rot, you can also stop any bacteria by dabbing diluted betadine on it. Would advise you do this to stop any infection. It will do no harm to do this.
It is possible to remove dead shell gently. But only if you are confident enough.
As already mentioned a closer picture would be so much clearer as to what it is.

Joanne · 11-07-2006, 10:23 AM

Shell rot can also be caused by high humidity conditions especially in dry-loving Mediterranean species. Having seen examples of shell rot before, this doesn't look like it but it is damaged nonetheless. The carapace and plastron are alive and any kind of trauma can result in infection. Personally, I would bathe the area with Betadine(as previously mentioned) but have found a great cream called Neosporin which has been highly recommended from a Herpetological Society. He will need a shot of antibiotics from your Vet though to help against septicaemia.

Hope this is of some help and please let us know how you get on? Good luck!

Joanne.

jo__ · 11-07-2006, 11:19 AM

Thanks for all the advise so soon...i'm just about to go to portsmouth n get some betadine (as i saw it in a reptile shop the other day!) Will also contact my local vets as they have links with a tortoise specialist in Titchfield,
Jo x

jo__ · 11-07-2006, 05:51 PM

I've just got back from portsmouth, the shop only had Tamodine wound and skin cleanser, which is made by VetArk professional. On the back it says "Tamodine would cleanser is a powerful antifungal and antibacterial tamed iodine". Is this like betadine? Does anyone know if I have to dilute it? I tried to get some info from the guy who was working in the reptile shop and surprize surprize he didn't have a clue what betadine was or how i should use this Tamodine stuff....

As for pics my b/f's jus got a new phone wiv a real good camera and cables to link to the pc...so i shud hopefully be able to get a better pic....

Jo x

sandy · 11-07-2006, 06:14 PM

Hi Jo

If its in a small bottle then I would suggest it needs diluting. If large bottle probably not. As
I have not used this, I cant be sure.

Becks · 11-07-2006, 06:23 PM

here is some info i found on the item in question
Tamodine Wound Cleanser
A powerful antifungal and antibacterial tamed Iodine. It is ideal for cleansing wounds and washing infected areas such as wounds, mouth or shell rot. This has a wide spectrum of activity against bacteria, protozoa, yeasts, fungi and some viruses. It has all of the activity of free iodine but with much reduced irritant sensitising effects, and it does not stain. Tamodine is suitable for cleaning mouth rot lesions in the mouths of reptiles. These are likely also to need antibiotic treatment from a Veterinary Surgeon and will also benefit from supplementation with ACE-HIGH (this is likely to be necessary as part of a tube feeding program). We suggest that you apply some Tamodine to wet cotton wool and use this to gently cleanse the surface of ulcers or wounds. Once clean, wipe off any excess, and release the animal. POVIDONE-IODINE COMPOUNDS - Referred to by Holt 1981 (in "Diseases of the Reptilia" Volume 1. edited by J.E.Cooper & O.F.Jackson) as "Probably the most consistently safe antiseptics/disinfectants of value are the povidone-iodine compounds..." We would advise against using TAMODINE in amphibia since they can absorb chemicals through the skin. We are aware of a case of an axolotl which metamorphosed following TAMODINE treatment, presumably due to the iodine entering the circulation.

is this it ???

luv becks xxxxxxxx

i have never used this so wouldnt like to say myself im sure some 1 will ....

Joanne · 11-07-2006, 09:03 PM

It is a safe alternative to Betadine as long as you follow the instructions that Becks has posted. Some Vets use this in their clinics.

Joanne.

11-07-2006, 08:21 AM	#1
jo__ Member Incubating Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Southampton Posts: 221	Has my hermann got shell rot? Hi, Im really worried about my male hermann terry. A while ago it appeared he had worn down the back of his shell slightly through mating behaviour. However when I checked his shell over last night, it seems to have got much worse! It has increased in size, and I can see different 'layers' inside the shell. He is my only tort, he isn't lucky enough to have a female for company, but he often trys to mate with anything he can mount!! Don't laugh but he especially likes trainers...so to keep him from our feet all the time he has an old one to play with. Its normally on the grass, but he keeps pushing it onto the patio area, which is where the damage to his shell was caused. Anyway...i have been looking at various sites online and it doesn't appear to be shell rot...but there is definately some type of shell damage there. What shall I do? I have included some pics (couldnt get them very clear) but they do show where the damage is. Any advise appreciated, Jo x

11-07-2006, 08:34 AM	#2
Becks Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Somerset UK Posts: 4,035	hi there is it possible u can get a close up picture of the damaged part of the shell will be easier to see .. thanks luv becks xxxxxxxx __________________ horsfields ,redfoots ,southern and northan morrocans, map turtle . http://www.redfoottortoiseplace.piczo.com

11-07-2006, 08:40 AM	#3
Becks Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Somerset UK Posts: 4,035	if it is shell rot then this is wht the tort trust advise to do ... Shell rot: This is often caused by injuries and sometimes ticks. Treatment includes the removal of any loose shields and thorough cleaning daily with a solution of Nolvasan or Betadine. Exposure to air will aid cure. Where this treatment fails, flamazine can be applied once daily after thorough cleaning. Advanced cases may need simultaneous administration of an injectable antibiotic from your veterinarian im sure some 1 wil be along soon who maybe able to help you more than i can.. luv becks xxxxxxx __________________ horsfields ,redfoots ,southern and northan morrocans, map turtle . http://www.redfoottortoiseplace.piczo.com

11-07-2006, 09:06 AM	#4
sandy Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kent UK Posts: 12,146	If it is shell rot, you can also stop any bacteria by dabbing diluted betadine on it. Would advise you do this to stop any infection. It will do no harm to do this. It is possible to remove dead shell gently. But only if you are confident enough. As already mentioned a closer picture would be so much clearer as to what it is. __________________ < > 60+, keeping ibera, graeca and box turtles \0/ /_\ http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/tortoisefriends

11-07-2006, 06:14 PM	#8
sandy Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kent UK Posts: 12,146	Hi Jo If its in a small bottle then I would suggest it needs diluting. If large bottle probably not. As I have not used this, I cant be sure. __________________ < > 60+, keeping ibera, graeca and box turtles \0/ /_\ http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/tortoisefriends

11-07-2006, 10:23 AM	#5
Joanne Junior Member Egg Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 23	Shell rot can also be caused by high humidity conditions especially in dry-loving Mediterranean species. Having seen examples of shell rot before, this doesn't look like it but it is damaged nonetheless. The carapace and plastron are alive and any kind of trauma can result in infection. Personally, I would bathe the area with Betadine(as previously mentioned) but have found a great cream called Neosporin which has been highly recommended from a Herpetological Society. He will need a shot of antibiotics from your Vet though to help against septicaemia. Hope this is of some help and please let us know how you get on? Good luck! Joanne.

11-07-2006, 11:19 AM	#6
jo__ Member Incubating Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Southampton Posts: 221	Thanks for all the advise so soon...i'm just about to go to portsmouth n get some betadine (as i saw it in a reptile shop the other day!) Will also contact my local vets as they have links with a tortoise specialist in Titchfield, Jo x

11-07-2006, 05:51 PM	#7
jo__ Member Incubating Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Southampton Posts: 221	I've just got back from portsmouth, the shop only had Tamodine wound and skin cleanser, which is made by VetArk professional. On the back it says "Tamodine would cleanser is a powerful antifungal and antibacterial tamed iodine". Is this like betadine? Does anyone know if I have to dilute it? I tried to get some info from the guy who was working in the reptile shop and surprize surprize he didn't have a clue what betadine was or how i should use this Tamodine stuff.... As for pics my b/f's jus got a new phone wiv a real good camera and cables to link to the pc...so i shud hopefully be able to get a better pic.... Jo x

11-07-2006, 06:23 PM	#9
Becks Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Somerset UK Posts: 4,035	here is some info i found on the item in question Tamodine Wound Cleanser A powerful antifungal and antibacterial tamed Iodine. It is ideal for cleansing wounds and washing infected areas such as wounds, mouth or shell rot. This has a wide spectrum of activity against bacteria, protozoa, yeasts, fungi and some viruses. It has all of the activity of free iodine but with much reduced irritant sensitising effects, and it does not stain. Tamodine is suitable for cleaning mouth rot lesions in the mouths of reptiles. These are likely also to need antibiotic treatment from a Veterinary Surgeon and will also benefit from supplementation with ACE-HIGH (this is likely to be necessary as part of a tube feeding program). We suggest that you apply some Tamodine to wet cotton wool and use this to gently cleanse the surface of ulcers or wounds. Once clean, wipe off any excess, and release the animal. POVIDONE-IODINE COMPOUNDS - Referred to by Holt 1981 (in "Diseases of the Reptilia" Volume 1. edited by J.E.Cooper & O.F.Jackson) as "Probably the most consistently safe antiseptics/disinfectants of value are the povidone-iodine compounds..." We would advise against using TAMODINE in amphibia since they can absorb chemicals through the skin. We are aware of a case of an axolotl which metamorphosed following TAMODINE treatment, presumably due to the iodine entering the circulation. is this it ??? luv becks xxxxxxxx i have never used this so wouldnt like to say myself im sure some 1 will .... __________________ horsfields ,redfoots ,southern and northan morrocans, map turtle . http://www.redfoottortoiseplace.piczo.com

11-07-2006, 09:03 PM	#10
Joanne Junior Member Egg Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 23	It is a safe alternative to Betadine as long as you follow the instructions that Becks has posted. Some Vets use this in their clinics. Joanne.

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