Turtles and tortoises can live for decades, which makes a long-term relationship with a knowledgeable vet especially valuable. Their shells hide much of their body, and many problems, from respiratory infections to retained eggs, are only visible on X-ray. This guide covers what a turtle veterinarian treats, the warning signs to watch for, and how to find a vet who knows chelonians (the group that includes turtles and tortoises).
It is part of our exotic pet vet guide.
Key takeaways
- Aquatic turtles and land tortoises have very different needs. Make sure your vet knows which you have.
- Swollen eyes in aquatic turtles are often linked to vitamin A deficiency and need a vet.
- Soft, pitted or smelly patches on the shell can be shell rot, an infection that worsens without treatment.
- Annual checkups with a weight record are the best early-warning system for a long-lived pet.
Turtle vs tortoise: why it matters to your vet
| Aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles | Tortoises | |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat | Water plus a dry basking area | Land only, with a shallow water dish |
| Typical diet | Commercial pellets, leafy greens, some protein depending on species | Mostly high-fibre plants and weeds |
| Common problems | Shell rot, eye and ear abscesses, vitamin A deficiency, respiratory infection | Metabolic bone disease, pyramiding shell, bladder stones, dehydration |
| Key husbandry | Clean filtered water, UVB, warm basking spot | UVB, heat gradient, correct diet and hydration |
Warning signs that need a vet
- Swollen or closed eyes: commonly linked to vitamin A deficiency in aquatic turtles.
- Bulges behind the eyes on the side of the head: possible ear abscess, which needs surgical treatment.
- Soft, discoloured, pitted or foul-smelling shell patches: possible shell rot.
- Floating lopsided, struggling to dive, bubbles from the nose, or open-mouth breathing: possible respiratory infection.
- Soft shell in an adult, or deformed growth: metabolic bone disease.
- Not eating for an extended period outside hibernation or brumation, especially with weight loss.
- Female restless, digging repeatedly, straining or not eating in breeding season: possible egg retention.
- Cracked shell from a fall, dog bite or vehicle: always an emergency.
What happens at a turtle or tortoise checkup
- Weight and length measurement, compared to previous visits
- Shell examination for softness, rot, injuries or abnormal growth
- Eye, ear, nose and mouth examination
- Assessment of breathing and buoyancy in aquatic species
- Fecal test for parasites
- Husbandry review: water quality, UVB, temperatures, diet
- X-rays when needed to check for eggs, bladder stones, pneumonia or swallowed objects
Hibernation: get a vet check first
Some tortoise and turtle species hibernate or brumate in cooler months. Only healthy animals with good body condition should hibernate. A pre-hibernation vet check, including weight, is widely recommended, because animals that go into hibernation sick or underweight may not come out of it.
How to find a turtle veterinarian
- Search for an exotic or reptile vet and confirm they treat chelonians.
- Ask whether they can sedate and X-ray turtles and treat shell injuries.
- Ask tortoise or turtle clubs and rescues for recommendations.
For more on vetting a clinic, read how to choose a vet.
Frequently asked questions
How long do turtles and tortoises live?
It depends heavily on species. Many common pet turtles live 20 years or more with good care, and some tortoise species can live well beyond 50 years. Plan for long-term vet care.
Can turtles make people sick?
Turtles commonly carry Salmonella. Wash your hands after handling them or their water, and keep tanks away from food preparation areas.
Can a cracked shell heal?
Yes, shells can heal with veterinary repair, but healing is slow and infection is a risk. Do not glue or seal a cracked shell yourself.
Related guides
This guide is general information for pet owners and is not a substitute for an examination by a licensed veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, contact your vet.
Run a veterinary clinic?
Chenil is a free vet CRM for single-doctor clinics. It sends vaccination and checkup reminders automatically, keeps patient records in one place and handles appointments. See the features or book a demo.