Mediterranean tortoise superficial shell damage

[Steve Boyd]

Hello, Post hibernation bath revealed gnawing damage to the enamel of our tortoise's shell. I am looking for advice on how best to care for the wound. Steve

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

To me it looks like the scutes have shed due to old damage and some bone is exposed. I will tag @zovick and @Yvonne G to take a look.

 

[zovick]

Hello, Post hibernation bath revealed gnawing damage to the enamel of our tortoise's shell. I am looking for advice on how best to care for the wound. Steve

I do see the fresh small gnaw marks on the colored scute keratin. Those do not need any treatment. The other areas I see are large areas of exposed bone with no keratin over it which appear to be rather old damage which has healed as much as it will at this moment. There is nothing that can be done about those areas. The scute keratin may or may not eventually grow back over the exposed bone, but it will take a VERY long time if it does happen.

 

[Steve Boyd]

Thank you for that reassuring assessment. We will change his hibernation venue next autumn. Steve