scutes

Annecaroline · 11-02-2009, 12:58 PM

Not sure if that is the correct word for what i want to ask.

On one of my tortoises the scutes around his back leg seem more translucent that the others. She did go to the vet on Saturday for yearly check up and the vet didn't notice (i only noticed this morning). Is this normal or is there a problem? It maybe that it's growth.

Annecaroline

**Bindi** · 11-02-2009, 01:55 PM

Hi there, what is your breed of tortoise please, how old is it and what are you feeding it on? I only ask the questions as it may help the experts a little with your question.
Is it the whole scute or just the edge? One of mine has a couple of scutes in that place, just above the tail whose edge is a little translucent, I put it down to perhaps growth at one point being a tad too quick. I'm sure someone will be along soon to help. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about but it would be good to know the reason?

sandy · 11-02-2009, 02:41 PM

If this is at the end/edge or the shell, then perfectly normal.
Uploading a picture would help us be sure.

Annecaroline · 11-02-2009, 03:47 PM

Thank you for your replies.

It is the edging of about three scutes.

She is a three year old Hermann. She has a good diet and i've had her for two and a half years. I have looked at a few pictures on the site of tortoises back halves and have noticed it on a few, so as you say it is probably normal.

Annecaroline

11-02-2009, 12:58 PM	#1
Annecaroline Junior Member Egg Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Epping Posts: 18	scutes Not sure if that is the correct word for what i want to ask. On one of my tortoises the scutes around his back leg seem more translucent that the others. She did go to the vet on Saturday for yearly check up and the vet didn't notice (i only noticed this morning). Is this normal or is there a problem? It maybe that it's growth. Annecaroline

11-02-2009, 01:55 PM	#2
Bindi Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,157	Hi there, what is your breed of tortoise please, how old is it and what are you feeding it on? I only ask the questions as it may help the experts a little with your question. Is it the whole scute or just the edge? One of mine has a couple of scutes in that place, just above the tail whose edge is a little translucent, I put it down to perhaps growth at one point being a tad too quick. I'm sure someone will be along soon to help. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about but it would be good to know the reason? __________________

11-02-2009, 02:41 PM	#3
sandy Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kent UK Posts: 12,146	If this is at the end/edge or the shell, then perfectly normal. Uploading a picture would help us be sure. __________________ < > 60+, keeping ibera, graeca and box turtles \0/ /_\ http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/tortoisefriends

11-02-2009, 03:47 PM	#4
Annecaroline Junior Member Egg Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Epping Posts: 18	Scutes Thank you for your replies. It is the edging of about three scutes. She is a three year old Hermann. She has a good diet and i've had her for two and a half years. I have looked at a few pictures on the site of tortoises back halves and have noticed it on a few, so as you say it is probably normal. Annecaroline

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