*HELP* Not sure what's going on!

[Kdiggs01]

Hey there.
I recently got a Russian Tortoise from a co worker whose kids weren't paying her any attention anymore. My husband and I think the world of her. But today while giving her a soak I touched the bottom part of her shell and she appeared to "twitch".Her head and right leg moved in unison. I then noticed a small dent ( not sure if that is a good word for it) I am totally shaken by what happened and I wasn't sure what to do!

Help!!

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Please provide photos and a better description.
Is it a soft area?
How large is the tortoise?

 

[wellington]

Usually when they are wanting to get away when being held they will move their legs and feet in a flailing kinda way.
The dent, can you get a picture of it and where is it?

 

[Kdiggs01]

 

[Kdiggs01]

It's I right there in the top right of here shell. She is just about 6 inches from edge to edge. And I can't get a video of her doing it I don't think but I'm afraid I was hurting her! And no the area doesn't feel soft to the touch.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I'm with @wellington (Barb)
You probably aren't hurting him/her.
They don't like being handled.
The spot isn't anything I'd be worried about.
Is there a dog around? We're sure that isn't a tooth mark?

 

[Kdiggs01]

I'm with @wellington (Barb)
You probably aren't hurting him/her.
They don't like being handled.
The spot isn't anything I'd be worried about.
Is there a dog around? We're sure that isn't a tooth mark?

So she shouldn't be able to feel anything? L

I'm with @wellington (Barb)
You probably aren't hurting him/her.
They don't like being handled.
The spot isn't anything I'd be worried about.
Is there a dog around? We're sure that isn't a tooth mark?

There was a dog in her previous house hold. We only have cats. And she is watched while roaming with them around. But they don't pay her much attention

 

[ZEROPILOT]

They can feel.
They're actually sensative.
But I don't think the reaction was from pain.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Cats don't pose too much of a danger for a tortoise of size. Dogs can't resist chewing on them, however.
It's generally considered a no-no to ever let a tortoise roam around on the floor of a house.
Lots of ways to get hurt.

 

[Kdiggs01]

Ok here is what little video I could get?

 

[ZEROPILOT]

It does look like a jerk of some kind.
But I wouldn't assume it's a neurological problem or anything.
He eats ok and otherwise seems normal?

 

[Kdiggs01]

Yep! She is a good eater. And very active. It's is half like when you rub a dog's belly and thier legs scratch with you? But if the puncture isnt anything that looks abnormal than I should be ok? She should be ok?

 

[wellington]

The video was too short. I think she is doing the moving I was talking about. The little dent I wouldn't worry about either. I think all looks and sounds fine.

 

[whisper]

My red foots do something similar when I’m holding them and they want me to put them down. It’s like they’re angry. Maybe she’s being grouchy.