Concerns About Crush's Shell

[Squirt the Dalmation]

Hey everyone.

I wanted to ask the community if they had any thoughts or ideas on a few things regarding my little guy's shell. Big side note concerning all of the following information: He was housed in a VERY tiny tank, with another male Russian, and poorly poorly cared for at the reptile store.

First, it sort of seems dry, however, I am a new tortoise owner so I don't have much reference. Here's a pictures that shows the dusty/white areas in parts of his shell. I soak him and mist him. He drinks water too but not much, and he doesn't like soaks. Crawls out of the bowl and/or gets very agitated and I don't want to stress him out.

Second, there are some white spots on his shell. The brown/beige parts of the shell that border those spots have an edge or lip to them. One time I was petting him and caught an edge with my finger (on accident) and he jumped. I'm guessing that means it either a) hurt him, or b) scared him. When I posted asking how old he was, others pointed out his dents/dings, however, I wanted to know are these fresh, healed, or still healing? Is there anything I can do for them?


Third, there are these 'rings,' or inward ridges, on both sides of his shell. I haven't noticed these in pictures I've seen of other Russian Torts. I was wondering if they are normal/abnormal. If they are abnormal, what should I do?


Other information that may help someone to help me (and/or be asked): he has the proper basking lamp (12h timer, with temp 95-100°F), ambient lighting (12h timer), UV light on 4hr timer, and CHE on thermostat. I give him a multivitamin supplement, calcium with Vit D, and a cuttlebone. Diet, so far, has been Dandelion greens, spring mix, collard greens, and Mazuri Tortoise LS Diet pellets.

Thanks in advance for helping me take care of him. If I didn't provide some information you need, please ask. His health is my priority.

@Alex and the Redfoot @Littleredfootbigredheart @Tom @Yvonne G

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Hello! Bless him he does look a bit beaten up, none of this is your fault and you’re definitely housing him well by the sounds of things.

First up don’t worry about how fussy he gets during soak time, don’t let it put you off doing them, lots of torts get grumpy/agitated during their soaks, especially Russians lol, but it actually makes good exercise for them, gets things moving for them to poop during, and helps with overall hydration.

Those other spots that are concerning you do look like shell damage that’s chipped off the top layer of keratin, when the edge is snagged I imagine that is sore, they do have some feeling in their shells, I’m thinking that damage has been caused by ramming his previous cage mate, especially given they’re on the edge like that, poor guy. They very well could still be healing in parts and will eventually somewhat resemble the other dinks and scrapes you see, you’ll definitely always be able to see some scaring, they don’t look particularly fresh but not entirely old either, let me see if these guys have some tips in terms of caring through the healing process @wellington @Yvonne G

I’ve seen similar ridges on some Russians, I can’t say what causes some to grow like that to be honest, hopefully the others can shed some light, but I highly doubt they’re any harm, they look like growth ridges almost, there won’t be anything that can be done now he’s grown like that but I wouldn’t worry.

I’m certainly glad he made his way to you and got out of his old housing situation

 

[Squirt the Dalmation]

Hello! Bless him he does look a bit beaten up, none of this is your fault and you’re definitely housing him well by the sounds of things.

First up don’t worry about how fussy he gets during soak time, don’t let it put you off doing them, lots of torts get grumpy/agitated during their soaks, especially Russians lol, but it actually makes good exercise for them, gets things moving for them to poop during, and helps with overall hydration.

Those other spots that are concerning you do look like shell damage that’s chipped off the top layer of keratin, when the edge is snagged I imagine that is sore, they do have some feeling in their shells, I’m thinking that damage has been caused by ramming his previous cage mate, especially given they’re on the edge like that, poor guy. They very well could still be healing in parts and will eventually somewhat resemble the other dinks and scrapes you see, you’ll definitely always be able to see some scaring, they don’t look particularly fresh but not entirely old either, let me see if these guys have some tips in terms of caring through the healing process @wellington @Yvonne G

I’ve seen similar ridges on some Russians, I can’t say what causes some to grow like that to be honest, hopefully the others can shed some light, but I highly doubt they’re any harm, they look like growth ridges almost, there won’t be anything that can be done now he’s grown like that but I wouldn’t worry.

I’m certainly glad he made his way to you and got out of his old housing situation

Thank you for your reply. I always appreciate this community for their help and mostly for calming down my 'motherly anxiety.'

I look forward to any possible tips/tricks and input from the people you tagged.

 

[COmtnLady]

Misters and foggers make droplets that are too big, and thus bad for the tort's respiratory tract. Don't use them. They don't keep anything more moist because they foster a rapid evaporation cycle that sucks away humidity and heat.

I believe the "rings" are normal growth that has become somewhat pronounced due to the ambient humidity being too low or too hot of a light too close to the shell.

 

[Squirt the Dalmation]

Misters and foggers make droplets that are too big, and thus bad for the tort's respiratory tract. Don't use them. They don't keep anything more moist because they foster a rapid evaporation cycle that sucks away humidity and heat.

I believe the "rings" are normal growth that has become somewhat pronounced due to the ambient humidity being too low or too hot of a light too close to the shell.

I mainly use the mist to moisten his substrate. And I give his shell a couple sprits while he's under the basking bulb (not in the direction of his face), and he enjoys it

Thanks for your input

 

[Maggie3fan]

That looks like a dog or something cracked off the shell to the bone...or keratin...I have box turtles look exactly the same way...and I've had one for over 10 years and yet it still looks fresh...he is probably a lot older then they told you..
you need to put him in a container with high sides so he can't get out of the water...bring the water up to the bridge...where the top shell (carapace) meets the bottom shell (plastron) and make him stay in for 15 to 20 minutes...don't hover over him...you like to poop in private, don't you? So does he, and kinda the more he struggles will bring on the poop. For his own good you should do that...here's my Redfoot in her soak...
and this is what happens...visuals for you lol

 

[COmtnLady]

I mainly use the mist to moisten his substrate. And I give his shell a couple sprits while he's under the basking bulb (not in the direction of his face), and he enjoys it

Thanks for your input

So your tort is under the hot light and you spray its shell, which causes that moisture to evaporate off faster than it would without the heat... Think about hand-washing dishes and how dry your hands feel after twenty minutes in hot water.

Better would be to pour warm water into the corners of the enclosure so that the bottom couple inches of substrate is wet and evaporates up through the dry top layers. This provides the moisture they need in the air without the wetness. Its better the whole way around.

Just sayin'...

 

[Squirt the Dalmation]

So your tort is under the hot light and you spray its shell, which causes that moisture to evaporate off faster than it would without the heat... Think about hand-washing dishes and how dry your hands feel after twenty minutes in hot water.

Better would be to pour warm water into the corners of the enclosure so that the bottom couple inches of substrate is wet and evaporates up through the dry top layers. This provides the moisture they need in the air without the wetness. Its better the whole way around.

Just sayin'...

Okay. Thanks for letting me know. As I mentioned before, I'm still new to this :/

 

[Squirt the Dalmation]

That looks like a dog or something cracked off the shell to the bone...or keratin...I have box turtles look exactly the same way...and I've had one for over 10 years and yet it still looks fresh...he is probably a lot older then they told you..
you need to put him in a container with high sides so he can't get out of the water...bring the water up to the bridge...where the top shell (carapace) meets the bottom shell (plastron) and make him stay in for 15 to 20 minutes...don't hover over him...you like to poop in private, don't you? So does he, and kinda the more he struggles will bring on the poop. For his own good you should do that...here's my Redfoot in her soak...View attachment 384735
and this is what happens...visuals for you lolView attachment 384736

I do make him stay in it. And trust me.... bowel movements are NOT something he struggles with. Water or no water...

 

[COmtnLady]

Okay. Thanks for letting me know. As I mentioned before, I'm still new to this :/

Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude.

We are all learning as we go. You are doing good.

Pretend I'm not being mean, I didn't intend to be.

 

[Squirt the Dalmation]

Sorry, I didn't mean to be rude.

We are all learning as we go. You are doing good.

Pretend I'm not being mean, I didn't intend to be.

I didn't take it as mean. More of a realization that what I was doing could be bad for him. So I'm grateful for you telling me!

 

[jaizei]

it's hard to tell from picture, but it looks like theres something more widespread than where you're concerned. I'd lean towards fungal. I think its much more common than people think.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

it's hard to tell from picture, but it looks like theres something more widespread than where you're concerned. I'd lean towards fungal. I think its much more common than people think.

Oh I’ve never seen anything fungal on a Russian, I can kind of see what you mean in certain spots, would some athletes foot cream sort it?

 

[Squirt the Dalmation]

it's hard to tell from picture, but it looks like theres something more widespread than where you're concerned. I'd lean towards fungal. I think its much more common than people think.

Id love thoughts or ideas how to find out and to address it

 

[gia474]

I’m a new Russian tortoise owner too but have box turtles I’ve had for awhile longer and if it were fungal or there is a strong suspicion of it, I’d put athletes cream on it. The google AI response seems to be the same, here’s what I got:

To treat a fungal shell infection on a Russian tortoise, gently clean the affected area with a diluted Betadine (povidone-iodine) solution or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) using a soft brush, then apply a topical antifungal cream like clotrimazole, and ensure the tortoise's enclosure is kept dry; if the infection doesn't improve within a few days, consult a reptile veterinarian for further treatment options.

Personally I’d try it just in case so it doesn’t spread and get worse if it is.

 

[gia474]

Ahh looking at the pics again it’s really hard to say and now I’m second guessing my advice because it does look more like an injury healing but it’s tough to be sure! My guy arrived with some battle scars too but they seem much older and healed over. I hope yours heals and someone else with more experience can give some more insight!

 

[Squirt the Dalmation]

I’m a new Russian tortoise owner too but have box turtles I’ve had for awhile longer and if it were fungal or there is a strong suspicion of it, I’d put athletes cream on it. The google AI response seems to be the same, here’s what I got:

To treat a fungal shell infection on a Russian tortoise, gently clean the affected area with a diluted Betadine (povidone-iodine) solution or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) using a soft brush, then apply a topical antifungal cream like clotrimazole, and ensure the tortoise's enclosure is kept dry; if the infection doesn't improve within a few days, consult a reptile veterinarian for further treatment options.

Personally I’d try it just in case so it doesn’t spread and get worse if it is.

Thanks for the advice. I'll keep it in mind for sure!

 

[jaizei]

I’m a new Russian tortoise owner too but have box turtles I’ve had for awhile longer and if it were fungal or there is a strong suspicion of it, I’d put athletes cream on it. The google AI response seems to be the same, here’s what I got:

To treat a fungal shell infection on a Russian tortoise, gently clean the affected area with a diluted Betadine (povidone-iodine) solution or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) using a soft brush, then apply a topical antifungal cream like clotrimazole, and ensure the tortoise's enclosure is kept dry; if the infection doesn't improve within a few days, consult a reptile veterinarian for further treatment options.

Personally I’d try it just in case so it doesn’t spread and get worse if it is.

This is generally what I'd do with the exception of expecting improvement within a few days. It'll prob take longer. I'd also take pictures ~weekly to track the condition over time, and to help notice gradual change

 

[Squirt the Dalmation]

This is generally what I'd do with the exception of expecting improvement within a few days. It'll prob take longer. I'd also take pictures ~weekly to track the condition over time, and to help notice gradual change

Thank you

 

[COmtnLady]

I always have a tube of Athlete's Foot Cream sitting in reserve. (Get the cheap kind from the dollar store, no point in paying $8 for something you can get for $1,50.) Its cheap enough, try it. It won't hurt if that isn't the problem, and if it is the problem, it is soooo easy to deal with.
I hadn't seen fungus on the top before, only the plastron, but that doesn't mean it couldn't grow there. Your tort would have to have been in damp situations though.