acquaintance's tortoise looks bad ... thoughts?

agnes&theo

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A recent acquaintance got a Russian tortoise from a pet store on a whim (yeah) two months ago. No idea the age, though not a hatchling. The tortoise has been inside a 50-gallon tank with a UVB and fed romaine, bok choy, and kale (we already had a chat about improving the nutrition). But her shell is looking kind of nasty. He thinks it's pyramiding, but it looks sort of ... off? ... on the top.

I keep insisting that he take the tortoise to a vet, but he really just wants my opinion.

A friend of my sister's college roommate gave him my number when he realized she didn't look that great since she knew I had tortoises. I attached the photos he sent me.

Any thoughts?
 

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method89

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I dont have a russian, but it looks pretty normal to me. Fully grown, probably wild caught so the shell has some imperfections.
agreed. Could be in better living conditions but the tort himself looks pretty good. If the shell wasn't always like that, it could mean the heat lamp is too close to the tort.
 

Cathie G

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I have a Russian and I agree with all of the above. Cute little tort ? my little guy came quite beat up but has improved over the years. Just help your friends get on here.? for support.
 

agnes&theo

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Thanks all! I haven't had much experience with wild-caught specimen. I know they usually have shell growth imperfections but I wasn't sure what was considered "normal" versus unhealthy.
 

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