Re: Use of Betadine
Todd, The 1:10 is a little tough on the eyes. It was recommended to me, but I would only use it as a local application as well. I would probably go with the more dilute solutions for soaking more than a couple minutes. Full strength locally is my choice when possible. Encourage it to eat what ever it will and add a little vit A and C on the food if possible. Malachite green may have some nasty long term effects (carcinogen) but it works wonders on local spots at full strength without having to let it dry, works as a great de-wormer as well in housing water. The shell rot is typically easier to treat than the skin problems. I have had close to 90% success with overcoming shell rot and the skin ulcers if caught early enough. If they continue eating your chances are dramatically better. I have had some turtles recover after being force fed but this is not recommended, last resort. Chlorohexadine is an excellent soak. It is a surgical scrub and it is usually blue or brown and frequents the trade name Nolvasan. Using Nolvasan and DMSO creme mixed into a paste is excellent for both skin and shell problems. DMSO is a dermal carrier for what ever it is mixed. The “fungus eliminator”, frequent water changes, and a dry basking site will suffice for a housing treatment. Scott — In diamondbackterrapins@y…, Todd Stockwell