5 year old Russian Tortoise. Pyramiding and slanted shell!!

Smol_quackson

New Member
Joined
Feb 27, 2019
Messages
11
Location (City and/or State)
Salford
Hi guys!

I’ve come back to ask for some help. I’ve been trying to get him to see a specialist but all the vets in my area aren’t accepting nee clients due to Covid.

I’ve also recently noticed that he can move his back two legs; just not when he walks.

Whenever he sleeps I sometimes find him with one or both legs tucked in- so I know he can move them and aren’t broken.

However he doesn’t use them when walking and opts to instead drag them behind him.

I hope you guys can help, thank you!
 

harrythetortoise

Well-Known Member
Joined
Dec 3, 2020
Messages
455
Location (City and/or State)
Virginia
Hi guys!

I’ve come back to ask for some help. I’ve been trying to get him to see a specialist but all the vets in my area aren’t accepting nee clients due to Covid.

I’ve also recently noticed that he can move his back two legs; just not when he walks.

Whenever he sleeps I sometimes find him with one or both legs tucked in- so I know he can move them and aren’t broken.

However he doesn’t use them when walking and opts to instead drag them behind him.

I hope you guys can help, thank you!
Yes, it is a sign of MBD. He needs good UVB and calcium-rich diet (weeds from chemical-free yard has more calcium than grocery greens).
 

TaylorTortoise

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Joined
Mar 24, 2020
Messages
1,461
Location (City and/or State)
Abington
He has a UVB lamp in his enclosure and also a heat lamp in there too which are on all day and I only turn off only at night.

I live in the UK so it's not sunny too often but when it is I like to put him outside in a smaller enclosure with some of his stuff so he can relax in the sunlight a bit. I also place his little hide out with him in case he needs to, at any point, have some time away from the sun :)
I only see one light fixture in the picture?
 

TaylorTortoise

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2020
Messages
1,461
Location (City and/or State)
Abington
Hello.

I have come on here for help with my 5 year old Russuan Tortoise.

View attachment 328018
His shell measures 12.5cm x 12.5cm

This is a picture of him when we first got him:
View attachment 328021He now however sadly has a slanted and pyramiding shell which prohibits his back to legs from working properly- he drags himself mainly by his two front ones.

Also from what I can tell he has growth lines I believe. Correct me if I'm wrong though. It might be because we moved him to a larger enclosure but I'm not sure.

View attachment 328019

Also his right leg is constantly like that and I think it might be from the pyramiding??

I've had this little guy for 5 years and sadly I got him as a gift from my dad on my birthday.

I am only 16 so when I got him I was around 10-11 and wasn't really well equipped with knowledge nay the will to properly care for him.

Regardless we kept him- and I know it wasn't the best decision for him and I realise that now. He has lived for the majority of his existence in a 65cm x 45cm (lxw) enclosure - for around 4 years.


He now has a bigger enclosure that's 91cm x 77cm (lxw)
View attachment 328015

Any substrate recommendations are advised.


His main food source has been the same and we've been feeding him Florette Classic Crispy:
View attachment 328016
We also give him dandelion if I can find some.
Spinach and carrots sometimes and occasionally fruit such as watermelon and tomates.

I also give him calcium supplements every couple days and bathe him twice a week for 30 mins.
View attachment 328017

I'm trying my best to correct my mistakes and help him live as happily and long as possible.

If anyone here could please help and refrain from any lectures about my past behaviour because I know what I did was wrong and I'm sorry.

Any other advice will be gladly appreciated, thank you!
OK disregard my last comment. I do see the t8 tube light for UVB.
Have you always had the proper lighting for your tortoise? Makes sure you are not overdoing it with calcium, but that he is getting the amount he needs with his disease.
 

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