20-10-2020, 06:41 PM | #1 |
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Worn down patch on plastron - pics included
Hopefully the pictures work as I haven't posted in awhile.
Anyhow, my tortoise is 12 years old, lives outside in the summer, inside in a 4ft x 4ft tortoise table over the winter. Have had him since he was less than a year old. Had no issues thus far health wise. I noticed this week on his plastron that its worn away on a tiny patch on both sides - was initially quite alarmed as it's translucent you can see what look like tiny blood vessels. Then I realised the fact it is symmetrical points to it being an abrasive injury rather than shell rot or the like. I then realised it fits with the shape of a rock he's been mounting recently. You can see in the pics that on both sides of the plastron a very small patch has sort of worn away is the best way I can think it looks like. As I said, I think this correlates to the fact he's been mounting a rock in his enclosure for the last year or so, and the back and forth motion has probably caused this over time. I have now removed said rock, didn't realise it was causing harm. This is the only thing I can think that would cause this, being symmetrical and all. So my questions are, does this theory seem reasonable? Is wearing away of plastron on rocks a thing? Then secondly, aside from removing the rock so no further damage is caused, can I do anything about this? How will it heal? Appreciate any thoughts on this. Thanks! https://imgur.com/a/G2fV98a |
20-10-2020, 08:36 PM | #2 | |
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Quote:
The dilute should look like weak tea:0)
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21-10-2020, 08:59 AM | #3 |
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As sandy says but give him a soft toy to play with or he might get stressed out which sounds odd but I have heard of a similar thing with a male and he stopped eating and really sulked.
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23-10-2020, 10:11 AM | #4 |
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Thanks both! He was always sexed as a female when he was younger it was only recently I clocked he was a male. I will get some F10 or similar and look into a safe rock alternative!
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