Tortoise front scute got broken

[tortoiseowner1010]

Hello all. New member here so I'm sorry if I posted in the wrong forum.
When I 1st got her the scute (the one near the head) already had a crack, but now it has broken and i dont know what to do. I think she climbed and fell or she tried to get in a tight space, so I brought her inside. The problem is the outer keratin layer got bent down, so she has difficulty walking. She seemed fine otherwise.
I'll upload photos as soon as possible.

 

[ascott]

Hello all. New member here so I'm sorry if I posted in the wrong forum.
When I 1st got her the scute (the one near the head) already had a crack, but now it has broken and i dont know what to do. I think she climbed and fell or she tried to get in a tight space, so I brought her inside. The problem is the outer keratin layer got bent down, so she has difficulty walking. She seemed fine otherwise.
I'll upload photos as soon as possible.

Can you post a pic? Since there is no pic....if there is no blood and no open wound...then take a breath and just make sure the edges are not sharp....

 

[tortoiseowner1010]

Can you post a pic? Since there is no pic....if there is no blood and no open wound...then take a breath and just make sure the edges are not sharp....

No open wound, so I guess the bone had died.

 

[ascott]

No open wound, so I guess the bone had died.

I am the last person to judge...seriously I am. However, a pic is worth a thousand words....would you be able to post a pic of the area in question?

 

[tortoiseowner1010]

@ascott here scott. these are closeups of the area. it is kind of bent down.

 

[daniellenc]

Ouch that’s going to jab her and cause a wound @Yvonne G can probably hopefully tell you how to make her more comfortable

 

[no one]

Poor thing!! Is it an Elongata?

 

[Yvonne G]

That piece will probably die and fall off, but in the meantime, you can use a small piece of duct tape to stabilize it. (duct tape!! What would we do without it?)

 

[Taylor T.]

I'm not sure if duct tape is really the best option. I think some medical bandage tape would be more appropriate. This is because I believe the adhesive used on duct tape contains petroleum distillates, and some may be absorbed into the tortoise's bloodstream if it is used for long periods of time. It might not cause harm, but I wouldn't risk it.

 

[ascott]

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@ascott here scott. these are closeups of the area. it is kind of bent down.

Can you remove that broken piece? If yes, then after you remove it, I would gently file (with a ladies nail file) the edges to prevent it from rubbing/cutting into the healthy surrounding skin. It will be a bit weird doing the filing...the tort will likely suck its head in and act all dramatic...but dredge on my friend. The goal is to make the edges as smooth as possible so not to facilitate a wound on the good healthy surrounding skin...

 

[tortoiseowner1010]

Thanks guys. The broken piece stays firmly attached to the shell. Luckily there are no sharp edges to worry about
@*debora* yes it is an elongata!

 

[ascott]

Thanks guys. The broken piece stays firmly attached to the shell. Luckily there are no sharp edges to worry about
@*debora* yes it is an elongata!

Okay then....I would just keep an eye on the progress of the "piece". If there is an opportunity that it becomes removable...then, if it were me, I would do just that...Just so you know, this is not an end all .....tortoise are a hardy group....they are forgiving and able to heal from so much...so be patient and walk through this with confidence of the end result....

 

[no one]

Thanks guys. The broken piece stays firmly attached to the shell. Luckily there are no sharp edges to worry about
@*debora* yes it is an elongata!

I thought it was!! Haha... Such a cool species right?! I love to see some pictures of the whole Tortoise? And I hope everything goes well with the recovery of the scute, of course. *smile*