Part of shell loose
 

One of the scales on my 78 year old spur thighed tortoise is a bit loose
Can anything be done? Am I keeping him too dry?

difficult to say without imagery and not knowing location (which scute ordo you mean scales on leg ) but usually this is wear and tear. Bit sucking eggs but any signs of ill health though, ie shell rot and you should seek advice of a vet. Doesn't sound like it but not sure if you mean scales or scutes !

It's probably fine and just an old age thing the only thing you need to check is there is no signs of infection under the loose scute if there is treat it with an athlete foot cream I have used dactarin in the past with great results.
If you could post a picture it would help.

Thank you. I meant scute on the shell, more or less central and he doesn't appear bothered and still rams the female at every opportunity. I'd love to post a photo but have no idea how to do so. Any guidance appreciated and thank you both for replying

You have to be careful that she'll rot does not set in. If under the loose bit of shell its dry and not red then it should be fine. But it's always good to have some betadine or the like. Use diluted to stop bacteria setting in. Also useful to use on the females shell. As constant ramming makes her she'll prone to shell rot too:0)
Leave the shell to come off in its own time, unless it's nearly off anyway.

you need photobucket or the like (make sure free site) and then copy from there and paste on here. does get a bit confusing - took me ages to work it out but once done it is like riding a bike. Almost , as photobucket is more frustrating where as on a bike the peddles just go round.

Do you just leave your two to it ? I separate my males and females but I do wonder whether I am being a bit mean as they have big areas and could just go on their way after a set to, but cant bear to watch (or hear) the bashing all the time. Do they just part after a while? (plus my spur female is a vicious little muggins, I probably would feel more sorry for the male inflicting her on him - she looks angelic but would bite your arm off - I even use a stool in the garden to keep my ankles away from her when I am sat down!).

CB

Looking forward to a photo. 78 - what a great age.

CB- your torts are all very naughty I think! Someone at work had her tort chasing her round the garden to try and nibble her toes!

apparently its territorial Jan. My Horsfields are all v sweet interestingly. they run over when they see me and all dance around waiting for their feast. Even the boys are sweet, but not to the girls so they are separated permanently, CB

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e7...pscbjdcv4f.jpg
Please note the tortoise DOES NOT eat the cat food! He's just chasing the cat around...