Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just picked my redfoot out of his soaking tub and noticed an inch-long, brown colored stripe down the center of his plastron. It's not very wide, but I'm positive it wasn't there before (although it's been a few weeks since I've looked at his underside, since I try not to flip him upside down). I'm sorry I don't have photos, but I'll try to get some. Any thoughts on what it could be would be appreciated. Thanks!

Take a tooth brush (one you don't use)(kidding) and gently scrub the plastron. If it comes off, game over.

If it does not come off and it is directly down the centerline, get it to a vet ASAP.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

Why??? I'm completely freaked out now! I can't get him into the vet until Friday or Saturday. His shell doesn't feel soft in that area...but the brown doesn't come off. Please tell me what might be the problem, so I can let the vet know why I'm concerned! Thanks.

Is there any way you can post a photo? That would eliminate all guess work.

If the tortoise is active and eating and is all bright eyed and bushy tailed, it is probably nothing.

In the mean time, how big is the tortoise? If it is 2 to 3 inches and the brown line is directly in the middle of the plastron running the length it could be the development of a normal brown spot that the standard RF develops.
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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

I don't have any photos available right now. I could post in a day or two, if it can wait.

The tort is about 6" or so (carapace length). The spot may have been there before, but I don't remember seeing it. It is directly down the middle of the plastron, but it doesn't extend the length of the shell--only about an inch long, as I mentioned. Maybe it is the normal spot? I'm not really sure...

He is active and has a typical redfoot appetite--ravenous. I am treating him with eyedrops for a bacterial problem, and he's on the last week of antibiotics for the respiratory problem he had when we purchased him. However, none of these problems appear to have affected his activity level, and he is gaining small amounts of weight each month. He was moving around a little slower yesterday, but I think it's because he ate so much the day before!

I could take him to a vet, or wait until I post pictures...should I be concerned about shell rot, or another problem? Thanks for your advice...

About halfway down this page are pictures of male and female redfoot plastrons. My redfoot's mark looks a LOT like the female's, but it's narrower and somewhat lighter. Looks like maybe it's normal coloration?

http://www.pogospals.com/pogospals/Redfoot_Tortoises.html

Here's a shot of a 5 inch animal. Between the pictures you have and this you should be able to tell if you need a vet or not.
If there is any blood/brusing... you do need a vet.

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Ed
Tortoise_Keepers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

I'm guessing that we don't need a vet. I've never seen blood, or bruising (although what color is bruising on a tortoise shell?). Your photo helps quite a bit--my tortoise has something the same color, but it's just an elongated, almost thin rectangular shape. Must be the spot you mentioned. Thank you so much for your help!!