Hi Erico ~ I have personal experience with aquatic and non-aquatic turtles when it comes to having significant scute damage or loss. A couple of brief case histories ~I was presented with a pair of red-eared sliders a few years back, the two turtles had significant scute loss and deterioration of the underlying bone as well. The turtles were active and thriving. I cleaned the damaged areas with rubbing alcohol and again with hydrogen peroxide which removes (on a cellular level) the outer layer of tissue (whether muscle or bone as in this case.) By removing the outer layer of cells, it encourageges new healthy growth. Anyway, the turtles were thoroughly dried and sealed in a clear polyeurothane sealant and returned to their new habitats. Within two years, the shells had completely regenerated the lost keratin and had even integrity of the shell.

Another case was with an 3 year old African Spurred Tortoise. The tortoise was returned to the breeder (me in this case) and was placed in an outdoor enclosure with its parents (I wasn't aware of this right away.) Long story short, the female tortoise was showing signs of territoriality by pushing around the smaller 3 year old. The smaller tortoise was pinned against a fence and the side of the carapace was caved in. Due to a lack of natural sunlight, the smaller tortoises shell was rather rubbery and broke easily. When it was found shortly after, internal organs (lungs, intestines etc.) were visible through the collapsed area. Fortunately, because the shell was soft, I was able to clean the damaged area of debri and (I used hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the damaged bone) pop the crushed shell back out. I then proceeded to seal the damaged area (missing much of the keratin and showing exposed bone) with Marine epoxy by GOOP. This sealant stayed on the shell strong for over a year allowing the bone to heal and keratin to regenerate along the damaged area. The epoxy began to peal off on its own after a years time.

I agree with you that turtles can do fine in many cases without the keratin (I have seen that myself) but when the opportunity arises to potentially correct the problem areas, I like to act on it. I hoep this information helps and I will try to get a picture up later on of the African Spurred Tortoise, showing the repaired area. Thanx, Leo
Skin & Scales

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