Reptile & Amphibian Forums

The bottom of my Russian's shell seems to be detiorating over time. It is not too dramatic, but over the last 6 months pits, one of them somewhat deep, have begun to form.

The tortoise is kept in a dry substrate. He has access to drinking water and is given a good warm bath every couple of days. I do not feed him fruits and other high sugar items, but only plants and green leafy vegetables.

Simply put, what is wrong and how do I fix it? I will try any topical treatment.

~Jason

If you can provide a picture that would be much better.
If there is any moisture(body fluids) or visible bleeding, I would suggest a vet visit asap.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

I probably won't be able to provide a photograph any time soon. The pitting is not that severe to require a vet right now, but I want to nip it in the bud before it gets bad. Is this shell rot without moisture being involved? Is that possible? What other explanations could there be?

My Russian has the same problem with his shell, except the pitting is on the top. I've taken him to the vet numerous times and since the shell is dry, they really don't know what to make of it. An entire scute has chipped off in the past year (starting from a small scar he had when I got him three years ago), with no sign of shell rot. I'll post a pic soon. I'm sorry that I can't offer any advice but it's the first time I've heard of someone else with the same problem with shell pitting. What area of the country do you live in?

I live in Syracuse, NY. We have lots and lots and lots of snow (usually the most in the country) and it is very cold in the winter. Obviously, excessive humidity is not the problem.

Does anyone know if antibiotic ointment works? If it is some king of fungal infection, would this not curb it a bit?

I have an old Russian male whose shell has deteriorated top and bottom. Although he is kept very dry, my vet believes it is some form of fungal infection. Have used dental resin to patch up some of the worst spots- that was 3 years ago. He has grown and seems normal, and when the resin falls off due to growth, i put on some more.