Are these red spots wounds?

[Squirt the Dalmation]

Good afternoon torty family.

When bathing Squirt tonight, I noticed these red (reddish orange sort of) spots on Squirts shell and paw. Any ideas what they could be??




I tried, VERY gently, to brush them off with extremely soft toothbrush, but it doesn't budget. I also pet his paw, and 'he' didn't pull away, so that seemed like a small plus. Any thoughts?

@Tom @Littleredfootbigredheart @Alex and the Redfoot @Yvonne G

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

My initial thoughts are still staining from something either outside or the substrate, especially because it’s a little tricky to get off. I’d expect blood to come away a bit easier.

It could be a tiny scratch on his foot(I can’t see where it’d be coming from if it is his shell) but either way it won’t hurt to grab some saline solution and gently clean the area.

I’m curious what others think, @EppsDynasty squirts owner wanted me to tag you too

 

[Squirt the Dalmation]

My initial thoughts are still staining from something either outside or the substrate, especially because it’s a little tricky to get off. I’d expect blood to come away a bit easier.

It could be a tiny scratch on his foot(I can’t see where it’d be coming from if it is his shell) but either way it won’t hurt to grab some saline solution and gently clean the area.

I’m curious what others think, @EppsDynasty squirts owner wanted me to tag you too

Additional information, the red spots on shell and paw didn't budget pre soak, during soak, or after soak.

My guess is what Red said and stain, OR, one of those leg scales got peeled up some. The bottom edges of those scales aren't really attached (I think they are sort of designed that way due to being at Squirt's 'wrist'), so i think maybe one got caught on something and pulled up?

 

[Alex and the Redfoot]

Is some cases this could a bacterial/fungal infection, I would consult a vet (maybe you just send photos by email first).

You can also take a small pause and watch closely if more colored spots appear or existing spots get larger/deeper.

 

[Squirt the Dalmation]

Is some cases this could a bacterial/fungal infection, I would consult a vet (maybe you just send photos by email first).

You can also take a small pause and watch closely if more colored spots appear or existing spots get larger/deeper.

Thank you Alex. I'll reach out to a vet to see what wait time are like for appts as a backup

 

[EppsDynasty]

My wife @JoJosMom has spoke with this owner via Tik Tok and I as well agree that this looks like an injury of some kind. To us this does not look like a bacterial or fungal issue this looks very much like trauma of some kind. We all know our shelled ones can get into some situations without us even knowing and this may be a situation like that. As a precaution a vet visit may be in order BUT if the vet is not a very competent vet and has prior experience with this sorta thing it's only a waste of time and honestly only puts the tort in danger.....incompetence kills.

 

[Squirt the Dalmation]

My wife @JoJosMom has spoke with this owner via Tik Tok and I as well agree that this looks like an injury of some kind. To us this does not look like a bacterial or fungal issue this looks very much like trauma of some kind. We all know our shelled ones can get into some situations without us even knowing and this may be a situation like that. As a precaution a vet visit may be in order BUT if the vet is not a very competent vet and has prior experience with this sorta thing it's only a waste of time and honestly only puts the tort in danger.....incompetence kills.

Thank you for your reply. We have a vet near out new home that we are going to try and meet to gauge comfortability. We experienced the incompetence kills with Crush. First vet we took Crush to gave him a vitamin shot that causes. For lack of a better term, temporary psychosis. What's the best thing to clean it with? Just saline like @Littleredfootbigredheart said? Saline and something else? I know I'm probably over reacting but I'm assuming baby torts aren't yet as resilient and juvenile or adults, so a little worried. Just trying not to over worry. The one calming thing is Squirt didn't pull away when I tried touching the leg 'wound.' Made sure to touch with clean/washed hands.

 

[Yvonne G]

It's hard to tell from a picture, but to me it doesn't look like anything to worry about. It looks as minor as a skinned knee on your toddler. Keep it clean and dab on some first aid cream and keep an eye on it. I don't think a vet visit is in order.

 

[MenagerieGrl]

How long have you noticed it? I'm thinking along the lines of @Yvonne G. Keep an eye on it, Clean it, put a dab of First aid cream on it, and see how it goes.

 

[Squirt the Dalmation]

So I posted this last night. I thought I noticed something tiny the previous night but at that time it looked like dirt/dust. Didn't have the color it did last night nor did I also notice the spots on the shell.