Common Diseases of Aquatic Turtles: Causes and Prevention

Aquatic turtles can live for many decades, sometimes up to 100 years, if kept in a proper clean environment with the right care. However, many face health issues due to poor husbandry and lack of knowledgeable advice. Understanding common diseases can help you protect your turtle and provide it with a long, healthy life.

If you notice any signs of illness in your turtle, seek immediate advice from a specialist reptile vet. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly increase the chances of full recovery and can be more cost-effective in the long term.

Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A deficiency is a common health problem in aquatic turtles, often caused by an inadequate diet. This deficiency affects the skin and mucous membranes and weakens the immune system, making turtles vulnerable to infections.

Symptoms

• Swelling of eyes and eyelids
• Ear abscesses
• Respiratory infections
• Lethargy and loss of appetite

Prevention

Provide a balanced diet rich in vitamin A, including dark leafy greens and aquatic plants. Supplement with commercial turtle pellets formulated to meet nutritional needs, and ensure adequate UVB lighting for vitamin D metabolism.

Respiratory Infections

Respiratory diseases in aquatic turtles are often bacterial infections and can progress to serious conditions like pneumonia. Because turtles lack a diaphragm, they cannot clear mucus effectively, which worsens symptoms.

Symptoms

• Nasal discharge and sneezing
• Open-mouth breathing or wheezing
• Bubbles or foam around mouth or nose
• Lethargy and abnormal swimming posture

Prevention

Keep the enclosure well-ventilated to avoid excess humidity buildup. Avoid tank lids that trap humidity. Maintain clean water and provide a warm basking area with UVB lighting to support immune health.

Abscesses

Abscesses are firm swellings usually filled with thick, dry pus, commonly found around the ears and oral cavity. They often result from infections linked to vitamin A deficiency or trauma.

What to look for

• Swelling near ears or jaw
• Reduced activity or appetite
• Pain or discomfort when handled

Prevention

Maintain good nutrition and avoid injuries. Regular check-ups with a reptile vet help detect and treat abscesses early.

Shell Rot (Ulcerative Shell Disease)

The turtle's shell is a living part of its skeleton and can become infected following injuries like cuts or abrasions. Shell rot can affect the outer keratin layer or penetrate deeper to the bone.

Signs to watch for

• Discolouration or soft patches on the shell
• Fluid or pus leaking
• Unpleasant smell
• Shell pitting or breakdown in advanced cases

Prevention

Ensure excellent water hygiene with regular changes and powerful filtration. Provide a suitably warm basking spot with UVB light for shell health. Avoid sharp tank decorations and ensure your turtle cannot injure itself.

Parasitic Infections

Gastrointestinal parasites like roundworms and protozoa are common but may not show obvious symptoms. They can cause diarrhoea and weight loss if left untreated.

Prevention

Regular faecal examinations by your vet and maintaining clean habitat conditions are key. Avoid substrate and materials your turtle might ingest accidentally.

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

MBD results from nutritional imbalances, especially calcium deficiency and lack of UVB exposure. It weakens bones and shells, leading to deformities and fractures.

Prevention

Provide a balanced diet with adequate calcium sources such as cuttlefish bone and ensure strong UVB lighting to facilitate calcium absorption.

Other Common Issues

Egg binding can affect females if there is no suitable nesting place, causing lethargy and buoyancy changes. Offering a dry nesting area or sand box is essential for females.

Drowning and injuries may occur if turtles get trapped in filters or fall from basking spots. Use safe equipment with protective strainers and secure enclosures to prevent accidents.

Septicaemia is a severe, systemic infection indicated by swelling, colour changes, and sometimes shell deterioration. Prompt veterinary care is critical for survival.

General Prevention and Care Tips

• Maintain large, clean aquatic tanks with suitable filtration and water cycling
• Provide appropriate UVB lighting and heated basking areas 10°C warmer than water
• Feed a varied, vitamin-rich diet including commercial pellets, fresh vegetables, and occasional animal protein
• Avoid overcrowding and aggressive tank mates to reduce injury
• Quarantine new turtles for at least three months before adding to an established collection
• Regularly monitor health and behaviour, consulting a reptile vet promptly if issues arise

By understanding these common ailments and their prevention, you can help ensure your aquatic turtle leads a long, healthy, and happy life. If you are considering adoption, look for older healthy turtles in rescues where available to avoid early life complications.