Shell Rot? Herman's tortoise

[LeanneW]

Hi everyone,

Hope you are you tortoises are all well!

I just wondered if anyone could help us with Pebble. Recently noticed a colour change in one of Pebbles Scutes and a small bit has peeled off.

Does not feel soft at all underneath. I've given her a really good soak and wash and noticed a couple of other areas and now I'm concerned it could be early shell rot.

We've recently changed her from a vivarium to a tortoise table she has heat and uvb.
Coir substrate. We aim and keep her humidity 70- 80%. The table did have an enclosed hide, but I've now removed that to allow more airflow because I think that's where the problem was.

Cleaning her out regular and disinfecting every time

Any support & advice greatly appreciated.

I've added pictures of top and bottom. Marks have been seen by a herp vet and he has made no mention of issues.

She has regular calcium and d3 supplements and access to a cuttlebone.

Thank you!

Leanne and Pebble

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Shell fungus and shell rot is mostly associated with tropical tortoises. But I'm sure that any tortoise that is constantly sitting in wet poop or wet substrate could get some.
However, I do not see it here. I see nothing that concerns me.
The good news is that treating for shell rot is very simple and very cheap.
Go to your nearest DOLLAR STORE. Get a tube of their ATHLETES FOOT CREAM and smear a tiny bit on the area of the plastron with your finger. Do this for 3 days.
If it was fungus...It's now dead fungus. And if it wasn't fungus...No harm done.
A dollar for peace of mind?
Priceless

Now I see you're in the UK.
PROBABLY NO DOLLAR STORES.
My point is that you do not need to buy the expensive name brands when it comes to treating tortoise fungal issues.
Any ATHLETES FOOT CREAM will work.

 

[sheldo]

I'm no expert I'm pretty new also so do not take my word but I recently went to the vet with my tortoise sheldo and they showed me photos of what shell rot looks like to know what it looks like and that looks quite similar. I suggest just setting up an appointment to check on them just to be safe.

 

[Yvonne G]

Shell rot happens on the plastron. Your plastron picture is of a beautiful, healthy plastron.

I see a bit of a chip on the carapace that is nothing to worry about.

Perhaps if you could I.D. the area your worried about for us?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Shell rot happens on the plastron. Your plastron picture is of a beautiful, healthy plastron.

I see a bit of a chip on the carapace that is nothing to worry about.

Perhaps if you could I.D. the area your worried about for us?

I see a small area near the corner that could go either way. So I suggested to just go for the cream. Especially since it's such an easy fix. And harms nothing if it's applied for no reason.
It's pretty common for Redfoot. And I use some cream if I even THINK I see some fungus action.
That's usually right now. In the rainy season. But nothing at all in anyone's check ups so far.
It's relatively uncommon in most other tortoises. But I've also seen advanced cases in water turtles that had been kept in filthy water.
Advanced cases will need a qualified vet. (And that's often hard to find) But not just for what we usually see in the hobby. Save the money.
I'd say that 99% of all Redfoot keepers know more about shell fungus/rot than 99% of the vets out there.

 

[wellington]

I'm no expert I'm pretty new also so do not take my word but I recently went to the vet with my tortoise sheldo and they showed me photos of what shell rot looks like to know what it looks like and that looks quite similar. I suggest just setting up an appointment to check on them just to be safe.

Please be careful listening to a vet. Most do not have a clue. This tortoise does not look like it has shell rot so if your tortoise looks the same then yours does not have shell rot either!

 

[wellington]

I don't see anything of concern. However, like Zeropilot said, you can use the cream he suggested if it will put you at ease.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I don't see anything of concern. However, like Zeropilot said, you can use the cream he suggested if it will put you at ease.

It's a win-win.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I'm no expert I'm pretty new also so do not take my word but I recently went to the vet with my tortoise sheldo and they showed me photos of what shell rot looks like to know what it looks like and that looks quite similar. I suggest just setting up an appointment to check on them just to be safe.

@sheldo take some advice from someone who's been doing this for a very long time:
Get a cheap tube of Athletes Foot cream and have it handy.
When in doubt, use some on your Redfoots plastron. Shell fungus issues can be pretty common with Redfoot. Sometimes it pops up regularly. Depending on your enclosure type. But it will just about never (ever) require a vet.
You may never see it. But be prepared with the cream nearby and don't let it scare you if you do see it. It's easy to cure and you can handle it. Don't let it cost you a lot of money.
You're young. Spend that money on something else.