Shell damage?

[Charles K]

I was taking a close look at my 2 year old marginated tortoise and noticed a spot on his she'll was a little raised in a corner compared to other places. Is that something to worry about? Im afraid it'll flake off or something.

 

[zovick]

I was taking a close look at my 2 year old marginated tortoise and noticed a spot on his she'll was a little raised in a corner compared to other places. Is that something to worry about? Im afraid it'll flake off or something.

It looks as though there might be something causing that area to raise up. I would file it down with a nail file to get to the fresh scute material underneath so it can heal and not get worse. If you don't feel comfortable doing it, take the tortoise to a reptile vet in your area and have them clean it up for you.. They might be able to clean it up and also give you some antibiotic ointment to put on it if they feel it is necessary.

On another note, the shell looks rather dry in your photo. Do you soak that tortoise daily or not?

 

[Yvonne G]

It may be too close to the overhead light, which is burning the new growth.

 

[Charles K]

It looks as though there might be something causing that area to raise up. I would file it down with a nail file to get to the fresh scute material underneath so it can heal and not get worse. If you don't feel comfortable doing it, take the tortoise to a reptile vet in your area and have them clean it up for you.. They might be able to clean it up and also give you some antibiotic ointment to put on it if they feel it is necessary.

On another note, the shell looks rather dry in your photo. Do you soak that tortoise daily or not?

I'll try to find a reptile vet nearby and have them look at him! I haven't soaked him too often since he's grown bigger. He always has water in his enclosure though. I'll start soaking him in the mornings before work again.
Also I'll raise the light a bit just in case.