Pink plastron advice???

[TimCarpenter93]

Hey. I have noticed that on the under side of my tortoise that there is pink on the plastron. He is 4 years old and think he is a boy but not sure yet. There have been no changes in his habits and eating and drinking fine. Was hoping that you guys can put my mind at ease. Here are some pics.

 

[ascott]

Hey. I have noticed that on the under side of my tortoise that there is pink on the plastron. He is 4 years old and think he is a boy but not sure yet. There have been no changes in his habits and eating and drinking fine. Was hoping that you guys can put my mind at ease. Here are some pics.
View attachment 112826View attachment 112827View attachment 112828View attachment 112829View attachment 112830View attachment 112831

What other type of substrate is the tortoise exposed to besides that wood chunk stuff? I would imagine the wood chunk stuff can be an irritant and cause damage to the shell over time....I mean, wood chunks rubbing against the shell continually.....? Perhaps wait a bit and see opinions from some of the others....the more the merrier so to speak...

 

[TimCarpenter93]

He has beech chips on the floor with a few rocks and bark to walk over. He has had the beech chips for a year now. Here is a pic of the enclosure

 

[yillt]

I don't actually know what it is but I know the cause. This happens when you let him walk around your carpet. You might not be able to see but if he has an infection or cut on his shell or leg this will turn his shell pink. I think that you need to take him to a vet if it gets any worse or he seems ill or lethargic. Give him plenty of warm baths and good fresh greens.

 

[yillt]

The wood chip could have cause it also as they are rather sharp.

 

[THBfriend]

A faint pink around the seams/growth lines on the plastron is normal. Deeper pink/red indicates a sepsis (aka. septicemia, blood poisoning). Your tortoise looks pinker than it should, but not like a full blown sepsis yet. It might have some sort of infection that needs treatment. Consult a vet, if possible.

 

[ascott]

He has beech chips on the floor with a few rocks and bark to walk over. He has had the beech chips for a year now. Here is a pic of the enclosure View attachment 112843

Under the basking/heat lamp/source--is that a large piece of stone surface? I mean, is the tortoise required to be entirely on that surface in order to obtain heat?

 

[TimCarpenter93]

The light (heat/ uv) is above the slate. But he dose not have to me directly under the light to feel the warmth.
Also he was walking around on my carpet a few days ago for about half an hour don't know if this might be the problem.

 

[yillt]

The light (heat/ uv) is above the slate. But he dose not have to me directly under the light to feel the warmth.
Also he was walking around on my carpet a few days ago for about half an hour don't know if this might be the problem.

I suggest keeping him off your carpet. There are many tiny dangers lurking in the fluff!

 

[Jadey]

Hi I'm new to this but I saw your post and you should definitely take him to the vet, my 4 year old hermans had this although not over such a large area. Take a poo sample for the vets to analyse as may be due to worms causing internal bleeding as mine was. Hope this helps.

 

[rach.sxo]

Sorry I don't have any advice on this matter but after seeing the pics of him I was just wondering what you use on his shell to get it so shiny and looking perfect! Mine doesn't look like that and wondered if you use anything you could recommend.
Thanks & hope your tortoise is okay!

 

[TimCarpenter93]

Vet appointment booked for tomorrow will keep you guys updated , fingers crossed its not anything serious.
Also rach.sxo I don't put anything on his shell just bathed in warm water a couple of times a week.

 

[katfinlou]

Really hope everything will be ok

 

[Carol S]

I hope the vet gives you good news.

 

[rach.sxo]

Hope everything goes well at vets! Oh wow his shell is imaculate! Mine only looks like that when it's wet, once it dries it looks dull, thanks anyway

 

[TimCarpenter93]

He is only 4 at the moment I have herd that they do get duller over time thanks for the compliment will let him know

 

[TimCarpenter93]

Just got back from the vets. He said looks like septicaemia but not showing any other signs of it so he is calling a specialist and getting back to me. He also gave him a shot of antibiotics just in case. Safe to say my lil guy is very grumpy after the trip to the vets.

 

[stojanovski92113]

I hope everything is ok with your little one!!

 

[rach.sxo]

He is only 4 at the moment I have herd that they do get duller over time thanks for the compliment will let him know

Mines only 18-24 months though so younger than yours haha.
Hope he gets better soon!!

 

[katfinlou]

Oh dear, hope he gets better really soon