What is this white line on my baby red-eared sliders back?

Question

I do not have a picture!

It is a white vertical line on its shell.

Answer 1

Well this is going to be a good test. I have two that are 36 yrs old. Now it could be a scratch, or slight aging with calcium deposits between the scutes or shell pieces.

Any swollen eyes, funny lopsided swimming, coughing, gagging, bubbles from their nose? Any fuzz on his neck or legs?

Are you letting it bask under a reptile light UVA/UVB for  8 to 10 hrs a day for the vitamin D that  they need to grow. So that means getting a turtle dock also?

Leave the heater on 75 to 78 degrees always.

Their water needs to be clean otherwise they get sick easily from dirty water cause they p**p allot.

You need a good filter system?

You need to feed them feeder guppies, goldfish or minnows for protein and calcium daily drop 20 or so in the tanks and watch them disappear! Replenish when low. This way when they swim for their dinner they get exercise also!

They need leafy greens( Romaine, Butter lettuce. Iceberg and cabbage are bad for them, any leafy greens will do) for vitamin A at least 3 to 4 times a week.

And a big tank 55 gallons or more..

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29035692@N0...

Answer 2

Are you using chlorinated water?

Is the line down the back of the turtle, at the highest part of the shell?

I could be a line of water deposits from floating or basking arrangements, or a chemical effect on the shell from chlorinated water.

It could also be UVB 'starvation.'  Does your turtle have UVB light?

Do you use salt in the tank?

Without knowing the care the animal has had, and how old it is - this is a 'best guess.'

It could be many things.

If you are positive you have its housing needs met, then take it to a vet.

I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help.