Diagnosis and Management of Septicemic Cutaneous Ulcerative Disease (SCUD) in a Turtle

The report describes septicemic cutaneous ulcerative disease (SCUD) in Indian soft shell turtle and its clinical management. The turtle was presented with anorexia, lethargy and skin lesions for last ten days. Clinical examination revealed discolored and eroded plastron, erythema and petechial hemorrhage on the shell along with purulent smelly discharge from pitted scutes. Growth of Citrobactor, Klebsiella, Serratia spp. was observed on cultural examination and sensitivity to Chloramphenicol was confirmed. Diagnosis of SCUD was based on history, clinical findings and cultural examination. Treatment was initiated with Chloramphenicol (80 mg/kg followed by 40 mg/kg, I.M.), multi-vitamin and amino acid supplementation (2–3 drops orally BID) for ten days. Debriment and washing with Povidone-iodine solution (0.1%) twice daily for a month was advised. Improvement was seen on tenth day post therapy.