Need help scute fell off

[Jenn]

I have a 7 year old hermann tortoise. He's always been ok but today after his bath a scute fell off. Doesn't really show any signs of shell rot. Not sure what to do.

 

[ascott]

From what I see in the pic....in the top corner of where the scute is lifted...there is some type of injury/damage there??? Perhaps a small injury that developed some bacteria/infection---there is a reason that created the environment to separate the shell from the bone....

I would be sure to keep the area flushed each day with warm water and keep it dry....you will want to assure it remains this way until that spot is clean and clear...free of any different appearance than the healthy bone...

 

[CharlieScene18]

I don't see any shell rot but I say soak your tortoise with warm water and take it to a vet! It may not be a big problem and it's most likely resolvable but I wouldn't take any chances![TURTLE] Does it smell bad where it's peeling off? If so then it could be an infection and must he treated before it gets any worse. Good luck! Hope your tortoise gets better[TURTLE][SMILING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

 

[Jenn]

He may have received an injury from the female. She is quite nasty to him. There is no smell. I've called all of the vets around where I live. They don't deal with tortoises. Is there anything I can put on the area to encourage healing? I appreciate any help I can get.

 

[ascott]

Oh, more info comes into the scene Is this tortoise housed with one other tort? A pair of torts? May we see a pic of the torts face and front leg/neck area? What size is the enclosure?

Yes, you can treat the area with some warm water to keep it clean and flushed....a vet visit is likely not necessary, if the area is not oozy or puss filled, then you can likely care for the spot at home, this will allow the tort to no be exposed to unnecessary stress...you can keep the area flushed with warm clean water, pat it dry and apply some type of antibiotic ointment (neosporin or the like)...