External parasite removal

Prior to radiography, all barnacles are scraped off the carapace and plastron. Care should be taken to remove barnacles on the carapace so as not to damage the scutes. Pressure at the base of the barnacle with a periosteal elevator, screwdriver, or chisel should be sufficient to pry the barnacle loose. Sometimes a gentle tap with a hammer (on the instrument) may be necessary to remove large barnacles.

Barnacles on soft tissue can often be removed by picking them off by hand. If the turtle is quite debilitated, it is recommended to remove only the largest and, therefore, most radiodense barnacles immediately, saving the rest until the turtle is stronger. In extremely debilitated patients removal may result in loss of the scute leading to bone exposure. Caution should be taken so as not to create further damage.

Leeches are removed by soaking the turtle in fresh water for no more than 12 hours. Care should be taken to scrape off the leech eggs as well. (Note: if extensive soft tissue damage is present, fresh water will be damaging.)