What is causing this flaking?

bbbokchoy

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The flaking started off more subtle and a vet told me to use diluted betadine, brushed along scutes once a day for two weeks. It didn't seem to do anything.
I tried applying coconut oil to shell every couple weeks which got rid of the ashy color but Tort ended up starting to smell like old coconut oil and I think it mostly just masked the issue.

Now the dry flakey appearance has spread all over his shell. There are some spots that look like they are separating. Vet was very honest about not being an expert on Tortoises so I'm hoping to get some advice on here.
Thanks for any help you can give!
 

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ZEROPILOT

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The flaking started off more subtle and a vet told me to use diluted betadine, brushed along scutes once a day for two weeks. It didn't seem to do anything.
I tried applying coconut oil to shell every couple weeks which got rid of the ashy color but Tort ended up starting to smell like old coconut oil and I think it mostly just masked the issue.

Now the dry flakey appearance has spread all over his shell. There are some spots that look like they are separating. Vet was very honest about not being an expert on Tortoises so I'm hoping to get some advice on here.
Thanks for any help you can give!
Stop the betadine.
He's pretty dry and pyramiding from a general lack of humidity
How is he being kept?
What is the humidity? What is your lighting? What is the temperature?
Is he getting soaked?
That's not a lot of information to go on.
 
Last edited:

Yvonne G

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In my opinion betadine was probably the worst possible thing to put on that new growth. Betadine inhibits the new growth of white blood cells.

What the tortoise needs is to be living in a warm, HUMID environment. You can also paint cold pressed coconut oil on the new growth areas, allow it so soak in, then polish it off with a soft, absorbent cloth.
 
Last edited:

Tom

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The flaking started off more subtle and a vet told me to use diluted betadine, brushed along scutes once a day for two weeks. It didn't seem to do anything.
I tried applying coconut oil to shell every couple weeks which got rid of the ashy color but Tort ended up starting to smell like old coconut oil and I think it mostly just masked the issue.

Now the dry flakey appearance has spread all over his shell. There are some spots that look like they are separating. Vet was very honest about not being an expert on Tortoises so I'm hoping to get some advice on here.
Thanks for any help you can give!
I agree. That is what new growth looks like on species that need humidity kept in areas that are too dry.

What are the temps and humidity where you are? Is the tortoise living outside full time during warmer weather?
 
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