chips missing from tail scutes

[bluejen1313]

Hi! I haven't posted here about my RES before, although I have on the red foot tortoise section. We have a RES, Tom who we've had for about 4 years. He's about 6-7" long. I went up to check on him today and he had several chips (like a chip in a teacup, part missing) from the scutes near the tail end of his shell. He is housed in a 50 gallon turtle aquarium with a basking spot and uva/b lights. He has a good filtration system. His water heater is currently not working. What could be wrong? Should he see a vet? Thanks in advance, Jennifer

 

[elegans]

Look to see if he has just been shedding scutes. Sometimes when they do this they can have a chipped look to them. If there is no redness or exposed bone, I would not be worried. Douglas