Septicemia

Septicemia (Septicaemia), or blood poisoning, is an infection of the bloodstream in turtles. Treatment is a course of antibiotics, and may require other supportive therapy. If you suspect septicemia, contact your veterinarian ASAP.

Symptoms

  • Red tint to plastron (under shell)
  • Red exposed sections on the plastron
  • Red lines on skin
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy
  • Can be secondary to another illness, such as respiratory infection or ear abscess

Images

This example of septicemia shows multiple red tinted spots, and the ear abscess at the top shows the original infection that has spread.
Pink flushing is especially apparent on the upper part of the plastron, but also is somewhat apparent on the front legs.
These red spots, when paired with other symptoms, indicate septicemia in this painted turtle.
This more extreme example, sourced from Austin’s Turtle Page, shows advanced septicemia.