Several common problems are associated with inadequate nutrition. Vitamin A deficiencies and eye infections can cause blepharitis similar to that seen in box turtles and the treatment is similar. Metabolic bone disease, evidenced by stunted growth and a soft deformed shell with upturned marginals and ventral deviation of the central carapace, is most common in young growing turtles. The sale of turtles less than 4 inches in carapace length is now prohibited in the United States so metabolic bone disease is not as common as it once was. Parasites are prevalent and fecal examinations should be stressed to owners.
Dogs like to chew on aquatic turtles as much as box turtles, treatment is similar.
This can be prevented by securing the cage with a screen top. Children should be supervised when handling turtles to prevent injury to either party. A fall of several feet can result in serious shell fractures. Some turtle species, such as snapping turtles, large soft shell turtles, mud and musk turtles and big headed turtles are aggressive towards other turtles. These species can cause severe lacerations and should only be kept with others of the same species and size.