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Redfoot Tortoise Plastron chipping?

B

BrandyBacklash

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Hello, I have a redfoot I got about 2 months ago from a lovely couple who couldnt care for him, His name is Paco, I believe he could be about 10 years old. Approx, 7-8 inches long.
He eats well, poops well, soaks and drinks and pees well. He has started coming out and being social with me a few weeks ago.
Just the other day I took notice of these areas on his belly. I dont know if they were there when I got him and I just never noticed, or if they are recent. It appears as if its been chipped at. I have found absolutely no little chipped off pieces anywhere.
SO..What is it? is he okay? Im a worrier by nature and usually blow things out of proportion but I know redfoots are more prone to shell rot so I thought id ask. His shell is otherwise lovely as you can see in the first two photos... =( Help please!!
 

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hard to tell from the photos but it looks like it could be either scarring from what was shell rot or it could be active shell rot; looks more like scars to me though (again hard to tell from photos).
if pieces are easily flaking out from the edges of the area and smell a little like athlete's foot, it is likely active rot;
if the areas are hard and have the same fingernail feel as the rest of the shell then it is probably scarring.

The best bet would be to have a vet check it.
These types of conditions are not extremely urgent so you can research a good vet, but sooner would be better.
Be absolutely sure that the vet you take him to knows what he/she is doing with tortoises as they are more sensitive to some treatments than other reptiles.

Shell fungus is usually caused by unsanitary conditions and/or excessive moisture.
keeping the cage clean and not too damp will help a lot. Do not try to use any anti-fungals without first consulting a vet (or a highly reputable tortoise breeder).
 
j_dunlavy said:
hard to tell from the photos but it looks like it could be either scarring from what was shell rot or it could be active shell rot; looks more like scars to me though (again hard to tell from photos).
if pieces are easily flaking out from the edges of the area and smell a little like athlete's foot, it is likely active rot;
if the areas are hard and have the same fingernail feel as the rest of the shell then it is probably scarring.

The best bet would be to have a vet check it.
These types of conditions are not extremely urgent so you can research a good vet, but sooner would be better.
Be absolutely sure that the vet you take him to knows what he/she is doing with tortoises as they are more sensitive to some treatments than other reptiles.

Shell fungus is usually caused by unsanitary conditions and/or excessive moisture.
keeping the cage clean and not too damp will help a lot. Do not try to use any anti-fungals without first consulting a vet (or a highly reputable tortoise breeder).
Click to expand...

its definitely hard an not flaking away or chipping. i had started to test it by scrubbing with a soft toothbrush in the bath and then tried my fingers... its not flaky in any way. His shell is also hard in all spots in general. I had a few others say it looks like scarred/healed rot. I do have a vet in cue (did my research before even getting him) but didnt want to take him in if i was overreacting, im good at that haha.
Thank you for your input!
 
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