Potential rot or fungus?

[John J]

Hello! I've noticed a small white patch on my desert tortoises tail I will add photos below, I am worried it is the beginning or some sort of rot? Perhaps it is just old skin? What do you guys think?

 

[zovick]

Hello! I've noticed a small white patch on my desert tortoises tail I will add photos below, I am worried it is the beginning or some sort of rot? Perhaps it is just old skin? What do you guys think?

It just looks dry to me. Try applying some vaseline or mineral oil to it daily to lubricate it and it should go away in a week or ten days.

 

[Alice Sulcatia]

Looks dry to me, too. I prefer organic coconut oil for my torts. When was the last time you soaked him?

 

[John J]

It just looks dry to me. Try applying some vaseline or mineral oil to it daily to lubricate it and it should go away in a week or ten days.

Great! I was hoping it was just dry, they get daily soaks but the patch still remains. Vasoline is okay for the tortoise? Is mineral oil safer or they are both safe and good options?

 

[John J]

Looks dry to me, too. I prefer organic coconut oil for my torts. When was the last time you soaked him?

I soak them daily. Is the coconut oil safe for there skin?! If so that's great! It's not too aromatic or the oil won't stick on too long and heat in the basking area?

 

[Alice Sulcatia]

Great! I was hoping it was just dry, they get daily soaks but the patch still remains. Gasoline is okay for the tortoise? Is mineral oil safer or they are both safe and good options?

OMG I laughed so hard! John... that typo is brutal! I hope you are not smoking nearby lol

 

[John J]

OMG I laughed so hard! John... that typo is brutal! I hope you are not smoking nearby lol

Lol!!!! Definitely didn't mean gasoline haha!! That tortoise is on FIYA!!! Lol

 

[Alice Sulcatia]

I soak them daily. Is the coconut oil safe for there skin?! If so that's great! It's not too aromatic or the oil won't stick on too long and heat in the basking area?

Glad to hear, soaking is so important! I use Coconut oil on their shells all the time, especially after soaking. I know people who do vaseline and are happy campers. I prefer coconut oil for my babies because it deeply hydrates, forms a light protective film that reduces moisture loss and protects against irritants. As well, it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. On the other hand, if it is some sort of "dry sore" or something along those lines, I would recommend using Silver Gel or Spray.

 

[John J]

Glad to hear, soaking is so important! I use Coconut oil on their shells all the time, especially after soaking. I know people who do vaseline and are happy campers. I prefer coconut oil for my babies because it deeply hydrates, forms a light protective film that reduces moisture loss and protects against irritants. As well, it has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. On the other hand, if it is some sort of "dry sore" or something along those lines, I would recommend using Silver Gel or Spray.

Okay that's great info thank you very much! My only concern about topicals is I've read the tortoise shell is very porous, can these topicals cause issues with pore clogging or reduce UV intake? Thank you and all for baring with me, sometimes I have a lot of questions.

 

[Alice Sulcatia]

Okay that's great info thank you very much! My only concern about topicals is I've read the tortoise shell is very porous, can these topicals cause issues with pore clogging or reduce UV intake? Thank you and all for baring with me, sometimes I have a lot of questions.

No problem. Now take what you heard, throw it in the trash, pour that GASOLINE, and light that match! Because it's not true.

 

[John J]

No problem. Now take what you heard, throw it in the trash, pour that GASOLINE, and light that match! Because it's not true.

Great thank you so much! Can I put the coconut oil on the legs too? I soak them and keep the humidity up a bit but certain areas still seem a little dry on their bodies.

 

[Alice Sulcatia]

Great thank you so much! Can I put the coconut oil on the legs too? I soak them and keep the humidity up a bit but certain areas still seem a little dry on their bodies.

Why not, try a dab here and a dab there to get out of the "dry spell"? However, I am not sure if any oily substance, long-term, would be a good plan for a tortoise. As I mentioned previously, try out Silver gel or spray. They are available on Amazon. I have them on hand all the time for myself and the turtles, works like a charm.

 

[John J]

Why not, try a dab here and a dab there to get out of the "dry spell"? However, I am not sure if any oily substance, long-term, would be a good plan for a tortoise. As I mentioned previously, try out Silver gel or spray. They are available on Amazon. I have them on hand all the time for myself and the turtles, works like a charm.

Okay I will thank you so much for all your insight and advice!!