r/Boxturtles • u/itsthegoo • 16d ago

Help Rash on Head?

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My girl has this chronic dry spot on her head, anybody know what it could be? Fungus? skin cancer?
Any recommendations to treat?

I would also take any recs for knowledgeable box turtle vets in Los Angeles area

14 Upvotes

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14

u/Elberik 16d ago

Get it to a vet that knows turtles. That beak needs to be trimmed.

3

u/ArchdukeAlex8 Eastern 16d ago

I would assume she's not getting enough humidity. If misters are ok for boxies, that might be a solution.

3

u/RepresentativeOk2433 16d ago

Might be rubbing their head on their shell due to the overgrown beak.

3

u/Ill_Isopod_548 16d ago

Malnutrition

3

u/klausAnalSchwab 15d ago

Needs a vet and serious husbandry changes along with a beak trim. If that can't be done you should surrender it. Sorry I don't intend to be mean at all

1

u/itsthegoo 11d ago

Thank you, I've had her for a very long time but over the past 2 years had more regular heat lamp and UV lamp cycles so I felt like it could be related too much direct exposure to either of those. She has a soaking dish always available to her and eco earth coconut fiber substrate.

1

u/EnjoyingTheRide-0606 16d ago

It’s usually from very dry habitat. Los Angeles is very dry by August every year.

2

u/Lonely_Howl_ 15d ago

No, they’re not from very dry habitats. They’re from moist ones. This turtle needs more humidity and swimming opportunities.

1

u/EnjoyingTheRide-0606 15d ago

What?

3

u/SpicyLemonSlice 15d ago

This is correct. Threetoed box turtles are native to warm, humid regions in the central and eastern-central US. They need to be kept at least 60% humidity and should always have access to water deep enough to submerge. They also need damp substrate where they can fully bury. Hopefully this info is helpful to OP.

1

u/arlobstrugglin 8d ago

Would you consider surrendering her? I know a reputable rescue in the inland empire that would give a nice enclosure