Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Someone gave me a male star (5 1/2 inches) about 7 months back. Shell was not pyramided, but slightly deformed (looks like from birth). Top scutes just off center.

But, though it acts fine, looks fine, eats well and is very heavy, it has thin front and rear legs compared to others. They never fatten up.

Any ideas?

Does it walk with a normal tortoise gate? By that I mean does it lift itself up when walking or does it pull itself along like a fish?

Have it checked for ameobas or have it treated for protozoa.
I've seen this in a few tortoises and not always did they pass evidence of an infection but seem to respond to treatment.
When you soak him make sure you are seeing urates and all fecal material is mostly digested.
Ed