Long-Term Management of Shell Rot in a Mata Mata (Chelus fimbriata)

A freshwater turtle Mata mata (Chelus fimbriata) was referred for an ulcer on its plastron near the left femoral region. Red spots were also observed on its plastron and neck. Due to its aquatic habitat, keeping the lesion clean and dry was a challenging and the lesion was rapidly worsening. Cytology using exudate from the ulcer revealed bacterial proliferation and heterophilic inflammation with degenerative changes. Subsequent bacterial culture and species identification confirmed two bacterial species (Elizabethkingia spp. and Delftia spp.). Based on results of antibiotic susceptibility test (AST), the turtle was prescribed oral doxycycline and topical ofloxacin ointment. The lesion was disinfected and necrotic tissue was removed daily. Water in the breeding tank was changed daily. After starting treatment, the lesion was improved and granulation tissue began to grow. However, after 80 days, new red spots with exudation appeared due to a new infection with mixed bacteria. Based on the AST results, the medication was changed to oral enrofloxacin and topical tobramycin. The lesion improved again. After two months, the ulcer was completely filled with granulation tissues. Since no new lesions developed, the treatment was terminated. This case demonstrates that even serious damage to the shell of an aquatic turtle caused by severe bacterial infection can be treated with appropriate antibiotics and environmental management.