For-Mr.Spock

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Hello!

My Russian tortoise is a wild caught, I got her from PetSmart two years ago, and she is somewhere between 5 and 10 years old as well as we can tell. She is active and has a good appetite. When I first got her, she had some she'll damage that has been very slowly healing. She has also had a lot of new growth over the past few years.

Today, I felt something rough on her carapace and turned her over. Some of old, injured scute had flaked off and revealed something underneath that looks dirty and very much not good. It isn't wet, so I don't think it's shell rot. The photos are attached.

The area itself has been a problem since I got her. Attached is also a before photo of before the damaged parts flaked off taken in 2020. You can see that the area where the damaged scute came off was discolored even a year ago.

Any idea what this is?
 

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Yvonne G

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That's on an area where new growth appears. It might have been some sort of rot or fungus that wasn't treated. If it were my tortoise I would soak the tortoise to soften the area, then try to pick out everything that will come out easily, then use honey to kill any bacteria that may be present. It helps in the healing process.
 

For-Mr.Spock

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That's on an area where new growth appears. It might have been some sort of rot or fungus that wasn't treated. If it were my tortoise I would soak the tortoise to soften the area, then try to pick out everything that will come out easily, then use honey to kill any bacteria that may be present. It helps in the healing process.
Thank you!
 

wellington

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That's on an area where new growth appears. It might have been some sort of rot or fungus that wasn't treated. If it were my tortoise I would soak the tortoise to soften the area, then try to pick out everything that will come out easily, then use honey to kill any bacteria that may be present. It helps in the healing process.
Yvonne, isnt the honey a certain kind. It's not the regular stuff that people buy to put on toast and eat?
This is one kind I found. Basically medical grade kinds.
(Manuka honey is used in medical settings to treat wounds because it's been found to be an effective germ killer and also aids in tissue regeneration. Studies show that Manuka honey can boost healing time and reduce infection).
 

Cathie G

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I'm curious about updates on this cutie pie! Odd ball shell flaking. Did that honey cause any changes at all....?
It's funny but I'm thinking of trying manuka honey myself... that way if my tort ever needs some I'll have it on hand ? they say it's good for IBS.
 

Cathie G

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It's funny but I'm thinking of trying manuka honey myself... that way if my tort ever needs some I'll have it on hand ? they say it's good for IBS.
Raw honey is an old time medicine also for the upper respiratory system. I need both.
 

TaylorTortoise

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Manuka honey is used in medical settings to treat wounds because it's been found to be an effective germ killer and also aids in tissue regeneration. Studies sho
This type of honey is good used for URI in torts as well as bacterial infections?
 

Cathie G

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Is it more of a topical? 0_o
It's downright delicious! And as it turns out really good for humans also. I bought some today and to get the real stuff is expensive. It was around $23 for 8.8 ozs. Supposedly, it will help IBS so it's worth a try. I've seen our raw honey from the US do some really good things. This stuff is very thick and concentrated. I intend to try it...
 

wellington

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This type of honey is good used for URI in torts as well as bacterial infections?
This is the kind that is suppose to be used for wounds etc, correct. Not just honey, which most would think of the regular kind we put on toast and comes in the cute teddy bear bottle. That's not the right kind, correct?
Or doesn't it matter?
Whenever I have seen it listed for wound care, it has not been regular honey we all think of.
 

ZenHerper

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This is the kind that is suppose to be used for wounds etc, correct. Not just honey, which most would think of the regular kind we put on toast and comes in the cute teddy bear bottle. That's not the right kind, correct?
Or doesn't it matter?
Whenever I have seen it listed for wound care, it has not been regular honey we all think of.
All honey has a few antioxidants and antibacterial compounds in it...the more processed, the fewer beneficial compounds survive.

Raw honey contains more than processed honey. Manuka honey contains the strongest antioxidant compounds in the greatest amount world-wide. That is why is it so expensive.



Honeys (and other bee-produced items) have been used medicinally since people began collecting it wild. The sugar and active constituents are beneficial in many ways.

Greek honey may actually be stronger than Manuka:
 

Cathie G

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One way to tell if you have raw honey from the US is to stick a teaspoon in it (and of course lick the spoon clean after) does the honey foam up around the area that you inserted the spoon. That means it still has the antibacterial and etc... honey has always been one of my best medicines.
 

wellington

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All honey has a few antioxidants and antibacterial compounds in it...the more processed, the fewer beneficial compounds survive.

Raw honey contains more than processed honey. Manuka honey contains the strongest antioxidant compounds in the greatest amount world-wide. That is why is it so expensive.



Honeys (and other bee-produced items) have been used medicinally since people began collecting it wild. The sugar and active constituents are beneficial in many ways.

Greek honey may actually be stronger than Manuka:
Would/Could honey be more beneficial in a prolapse then sugar?
 

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