Plastron off center

[tluttrell66]

My 2 year old female sulcata, Tzipora "Zippy", her plastron has moved off center. Is this normal during growth spurts? She is currently 9" & 9 lbs.

 

[Jodie]

I can't see much in that picture. Do you have any lighter pics? Maybe it's because I am on my phone, and others will be able to help.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi, and welcome to the Forum!

I can see what you're talking about - the area of the gular has grown over towards the left leg. Seems like this is going to make it difficult for the tortoise to graze because the gular will be in the way. No, it's certainly NOT normal, and I've never seen this before in a tortoise that hasn't been injured or have a shell restriction of some sort.

Can we please see a picture of the whole plastron? And maybe the top of the tortoise too?

 

[Yvonne G]

Strange shell growth usually occurs because of some sort of injury or restriction. In your tortoise's case, it would have occurred on the portion of the plastron off the right side that we can't see. I'd like to be able to see the area right below the left leg to see if I can see anything abnormal there. That portion has stopped growing, while the other side, under the right leg, has continued to grow.

 

[tluttrell66]

We rescued her in January 2015 from someone that was keeping her in a kiddie pool in an apartment, so in her early life she was restricted. She has our entire back yard to herself now, so she has plenty of room. We also modified a large Rubbermaid shed for her at night and when it is colder. We live in Dallas, TX so most of the year the climate is very favorable to her. She has never been injured that we know of, certainly not since we have had her. I pick her up nearly everyday and just noticed this about 3 days ago. She has grown rapidly since we got her, she was only 6" & 6.5 lbs when we got her, and now she is 9" & 9lbs. She is not at all lethargic and she has a healthy appetite, she does not have any trouble walking around and her bowels are normal. I posted 2 more pics. Is there anything we can do to make sure she stays healthy and also make sure she is not in pain?

 

[WillTort2]

I'm not an expert in tortoise growth, but I would think that something in the torts earlier life has caused the tendency to not grow on one side of the front of the shell.

I'll defer to the experts as to whether a 50% increase in weight is normal in a three month period at this stage of maturity?

I'm also wondering if you back off the feeding a little bit perhaps the slow side will have an opportunity to catch up with the other side. I'll admit this is mainly guess work as I've never seen or read about this situation.

If the one sided growth continues, it may be a good idea to consult a vet tort specialist to see if altering the shell would allow the tort to have a more normal life.

 

[tluttrell66]

I have found a local tortoise vet and she has an appointment for Thursday. I will post the results in case someone else needs this info.

 

[Yvonne G]

No, when I said "restricted" I meant like a loop of plastic restricting the growth, or something like that.

It's a very interesting problem. Let us know if the vet has any ideas.

 

[tluttrell66]

Ok, now I really am worried, nothing like that to restrict her as far as I know. I do know she was being fed cat food, so she does have some pyramiding. I am so glad we were able to take her from her previous owner. We will do all we can to make sure she has a healthy long life. Even my niece has already stepped in as "Godmother" so she has a home after we are gone. I will certainly let y'all know what the vet says.

 

[teresaf]

I've bred english mastiffs and i know that the puppies can grow so fast that one week they are gangly like danes and the next they are chubby and back and forth. Sometimes they go bow-legged form one week to the next and back straight again. The growth that causes this look can also cause deformities that require surgery because of the fact that the bones are actually growing faster than the ligaments and tendons holding on to them. This all happens in a matter of weeks so all you can do is not overfeed and feed nutritious food.
I mention this because I wonder if something similar is happening here. The growth spurt may be causing some area to grow faster than others and perhaps slowing down the growth a bit may help? Less overall food and just nutritious meals instead of grazing continuously for a while. Add calcium to each meal for a while? I'm not a vet. But something to think about? Ask your vet...

 

[DawnH]

Poor baby. She is adorable and I am so glad she found you all. Please update us when you go to the vet Thursday! Good luck!

 

[Kapidolo Farms]

I'd suggest it's just a normal aberration. How many of you ladies have perfectly symmetrical Bo obs, or everyone, one foot a slightly different size than the other. Like all those images of dogs and cats with different color eyes. It just happens all on it's own. It can be caused by an artifact of some exogenous condition, but odds are it's just the way that one individual will grow.

OP your tortoise is slightly pyramided, but on that scale of what I see "slightly" might be an overstatement.

Relax enjoy your tortoises and have fun with the idea of just how unique it is.

 

[tortdad]

That's not something a vet can fix. It either fixes itself as it gets bigger or it doesn't. It's very unique and I'm curious to watch your tort grow. Post some updates in this thread every now and then.

 

[tluttrell66]

I'd suggest it's just a normal aberration. How many of you ladies have perfectly symmetrical Bo obs, or everyone, one foot a slightly different size than the other. Like all those images of dogs and cats with different color eyes. It just happens all on it's own. It can be caused by an artifact of some exogenous condition, but odds are it's just the way that one individual will grow.

OP your tortoise is slightly pyramided, but on that scale of what I see "slightly" might be an overstatement.

Relax enjoy your tortoises and have fun with the idea of just how unique it is.

She came to us pyramided. Previous owner fed her cat food. We are very cautious about her diet. Will the pyramiding smooth out as she grows with proper diet?

 

[tluttrell66]

That's not something a vet can fix. It either fixes itself as it gets bigger or it doesn't. It's very unique and I'm curious to watch your tort grow. Post some updates in this thread every now and then.

I am excited to watch her grow too. Will post pics.

 

[Kapidolo Farms]

She came to us pyramided. Previous owner fed her cat food. We are very cautious about her diet. Will the pyramiding smooth out as she grows with proper diet?

Cat food in and of itself is not a likely culprit for pyramiding. It can be a stress on kidneys dealing with a regular glut of protein. Some such protein is not bad though. Hydration both internal and external, so far seems to be the likeliest candidate for pyramiding. "Tom" here on TFO has contributed volumes to this topic and his narrative is a good explanation as well as his sources being good.

Anyhow, just think about having to buy two boxes of shoes, one for a the left foot and one for the right. No big deal.

 

[tortadise]

I'd suggest it's just a normal aberration. How many of you ladies have perfectly symmetrical Bo obs, or everyone, one foot a slightly different size than the other. Like all those images of dogs and cats with different color eyes. It just happens all on it's own. It can be caused by an artifact of some exogenous condition, but odds are it's just the way that one individual will grow.

OP your tortoise is slightly pyramided, but on that scale of what I see "slightly" might be an overstatement.

Relax enjoy your tortoises and have fun with the idea of just how unique it is.

I agree with the aberration. I have a Sonoran desert tortoise quite old by physical appearance and guess of course. His gular is very similar to this very same tortoise. It doesn't appear to have any damage or anything of prior. Perhaps the mammary statement is the best relatable verse.

I have also encountered some abnormalities in some hatchlings hatched here. Same health and activity level. No idea what they grew up like, but I'd assume something similar to this.

 

[mike taylor]

I thinks it's not growing in every growth plate (scut) from lack of humidity . l would apply coconut oil to the bottom of shell every other day to see if that helps. In saying that I could be wrong it's just a guess.

 

[Kapidolo Farms]

I thinks it's not growing in every growth plate (scut) from lack of humidity . l would apply coconut oil to the bottom of shell every other day to see if that helps. In saying that I could be wrong it's just a guess.

Still thinking about breasts and offering assistance? Coconut oil, mmmm mmm good tasty! Yaeh, won't do anything for the tort, IMO.

 

[teresaf]

My sis had one mammary larger than the other. Try finding a bra like that! Lol I wonder if the gular is going to get in the way? Can they be shaved down if so?