Shell not seperated

[Josh howard]

So I purchased a sulcata about 4 months back and he's doing great. About 8" from front to back of shell. My only concern is on the bottom at the back. The 2 scales that seperate to create a sort of v where his tale and where he poops is..are not seperated so the space from the bottom and top of shell is small. He still does have bowel movements but I can't help but feel it would be better if the scales were seperated. Are there any options?

 

[JoesMum]

Can you post a photo of the underside of your tortoise including the tail area please so we can see what is going on

 

[Yvonne G]

Yeah, while seeing the overall tortoise is a good thing, and helpful, we all need to see the problem area before we can advise.

 

[Josh howard]

 

[JoesMum]

Most unusual. @Tom your opinion on this Sulcata's shell deformity would be useful

 

[Grandpa Turtle 144]

Hi Josh

 

[wellington]

Wow, I didn't expect that. Maybe @deadheadvet would no if there is anything that could be done or if this will cause any problems.

 

[Josh howard]

Any help would be awesome!

 

[deadheadvet]

Looks like abnormal plastron/bone growth where there shouldn't be any. Likely will become a problem if it hasn't already. Under anesthesia, I think that section of plastron needs to removed. If that is done, no way to predict if it will grow back in that location.

 

[Josh howard]

It almost looks like that section has grown the opposite direction it should have. I'll have to check with a vet to see what would be involved to remove that area.

 

[Pearly]

Oh man! I didn't expect to see that! What's involved in dealing with this malformation? Definitely pretty significant surgical intervention under anesthetic which i assume comes with pretty substantial cost, unless you find vet school close by where they'd like to take the case to study it... not sure if this gets done that way in vet medicine world like it at times does in human medicine research or learning facilities. I'd get the best reptile vet that's available in the area, one with some surgical reptile experience and take care of this before you get into all kinds of obstruction related problems. Our veterinarian forum members are your best resources for that. I will only keep my fingers (and toes!) crossed for you and your Cutie, and start sending all kinds of good joojoo your way. I wish i could do more... Wishing you best of luck. Please keep us posted.