Normal or a problem

[rainmoose]

Recently the shell of my RT showed some discoloration.  it was white.  Her shell then started to flake off.  the best way to describe it would be "peeling off paint chips."  i took some pictures.  the area under the chipping is hard and Messy is being her normal self.  Eating regularly and pooping and basking.  any thoughts if this is normal or a problem?

[Jules]

NOT normal

Looks like it could be shell rot.  I don't know if it is old or new.

I am sorry, but how long have you had her?  What is your enclosure like?  I know you prob'ly posted this info before,but it would be helpful here.

Take a look at; http://russiantortoise.org/shell_rot.htm

[rainmoose]

I have had her since sept 30, 2007.  i built her an indoor tort table (3'x6') which she has been in for the entire time except her 1st month.  the substrate is a mix of play sand and bed-a-beast (estimated 50/50 mix).  i use a 100w heat/uvb basking light.  i forget the name but it is the recommended one from carolinapetsupply.  her diet is a mixture of lettuce and greens.


i looked up the bulb.  it is a Active UVHeat (T-Rex)100 watt flood

i also jusr realized i put this in the wrong section.  to avoid confusion, i am asking about a Russian Tortoise.

[Jenn]

Looks fine.
My old girl Sissy has that on her shell.Old shell rot.
Sissy is wild caught so its normal.Once in a while little pieces flake off.But nothing big

[TwinCitiesTortoiser]

WOW! That does NOT look normal. I've never heard of shell rot or anything like what your tort has before, so I would advise listening to Jules and Jen. They're definately smarter about it than I am, but seeing that on a tort would concern me. Hope it's OK.

[Jenn]

Looks fine.
My old girl Sissy has that on her shell.Old shell rot.
Sissy is wild caught so its normal.Once in a while little pieces flake off.But nothing big

[rainmoose]

someone told me that possibly it was too much uvb/heat.  they had switched out their bulb and the instructions noted that in the first 150 hours, the bulb would produce more uvb and should be higher at first.  being i had switched out my light, this sounds logical.  do you think maybe Messy's shell got burnt or dried out?

[Jules]

someone told me that possibly it was too much uvb/heat.  they had switched out their bulb and the instructions noted that in the first 150 hours, the bulb would produce more uvb and should be higher at first.  being i had switched out my light, this sounds logical.  do you think maybe Messy's shell got burnt or dried out?

When did you switch the bulb?  Did you switch to the T-Rex?   I don't believe it could have been "burnt or dried out"  as long as you have an area for her to cool off, do you?  How high is your light from the highest point of the substrate?

It does look like shell rot though from what I have seen.  I believe it is old. 

The only part I am concerned about is the 2nd scute.  Is there soft white part there or is it just the picture?

[Jenn]

Jules is right.
If you have the bulb 12 inches from the substrate and the temps stay between 90 to 95 degrees there should be no chance of your tort getting burned.
If the piece of the shell just came off,it will be a little soft.It will harden in time.
Sissy's are hard.This is what she looked like when I rescued her.
Her shell was a little soft.When I got the T-REX light,her shell got better and harder and also changed some color.

[rainmoose]

i switched to the TRex bulb in mid january.  i just raised the light dome to 15 inches, putting the bulb at about 16 inches.  prior to that it was approx 1.5 inched lower.

as for the question about the second scute, i am not sure which one you are talking about (new owner still learning here).  in which picture do you reference (1st, 2nd or 3rd)? and then do you mean to the left of center or right?  all parts of her shell are hard.

not to make light of this but her shell looks like a one year old Earl Shieb paint job.  i.e. chipped paint flakes

[Jules]

i switched to the TRex bulb in mid january.  i just raised the light dome to 15 inches, putting the bulb at about 16 inches.  prior to that it was approx 1.5 inched lower.

  sounds good!

as for the question about the second scute, i am not sure which one you are talking about (new owner still learning here).  in which picture do you reference (1st, 2nd or 3rd)? and then do you mean to the left of center or right?  all parts of her shell are hard.

In the 1st and 2nd pic.  The second shute up the middle of her. It looks white and ?gooey? 

  not to make light of this but her shell looks like a one year old Earl Shieb paint job.  i.e. chipped paint flakes

LOL, it really sounds like old rot.  You are going to have to be patient.  Did you read the link I sent about rot? Keep her hydrated and clean.

[rainmoose]

Jules, scute is definitely NOT gooey.  and yes i read the link.  thanks.  i will just have to keep my eye on her and the temp.

[Jules]

Jules, scute is definitely NOT gooey. 

  Good then no worries

i will just have to keep my eye on her and the temp.

Yep, just let nature take its course. Do not help the flakes come off.  Keep her clean and you should be fine.  If is doesn't improve, you  may want to see a vet.

[Jules]

rainmoose,
I have been thinking about your tort all night.  I have never seen shell rot in person.  I think you (or we) should contact Joe to take a look at your pictures.  Do you want me to contact him?
Jules

[rainmoose]

that would be great if you could