gianni colameco
Member
There are at least three forms of presentation I have seen in fungal shell rot (or fungal attack) on tortoises. What you will see on a WC Russian's carapace is different from what you will see on a CB redfoot's plastron or a leopard or sulcata that gets it on the plastron and marginals when living in the Southeast under particular conditions (very common out this way). I have also observed a fungus that adheres to the carapace without damaging it for some species under some conditions. There are probably multiple species or subspecies of fungus that can be involved. The cheesy stuff is the worst if not addressed. Can infiltrate deeply (get into the bone and even cause sepsis if left unchecked through extreme neglect by abhorrent so-called husbandry).
Carl, I do not think this is "membrane scorching" as we are going to refer to it going forward. The new growth on the marginals has the white discoloration as well, while membrane scorching is limited to the original scute surfaces. It is easier to see the range of the surface effect when the photos are viewed at full size and possibly if blown up some.
Gianni, please show us a clear photo of the whole plastron. Also, is there sphagnum (or similar) moss in the habitat? If you could provide a photo of the enclosure, that might add useful information.