Raised Scute lines?

[RussianTortoiseCraze123]

I noticed the lines dividing the scutes on my tortoise are raised. what is this?

 

[Tom]

Can you post a pic please.

The area between the scutes is where new growth occurs. Sometimes it comes in a bit "swollen", for lack of a better term, but in time it shrinks down to normal size. Alternatively, it could be the beginning of some pyramiding, although this is not common in russians. I'm assuming we are talking about a russian due to your username. Are we? And how old? What size?

 

[J REED]

My sully has these and if its pyramiding well it can happen in a well humid closed chamber as well.im always at 70-80% humidity with a great veried diet...View attachment 50220.
Hard to see but lines are raised between scutes....I sure hope thats not pyramiding starting if so ive done a heck of alot of work for nothing..
Jeremy

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Tried a couple more pics

Jeremy

 

[Tom]

So far, so good on yours Jeremy. All looks good.

 

[J REED]

Re: RE: Raised Scute lines?

So far, so good on yours Jeremy. All looks good.

Whew....lol...he does have raised lines.not showing as good in pics

Jeremy

 

[ladyjean22]

I will have to say that's an adorable tortoise bottom!

 

[Tom]

So far, so good on yours Jeremy. All looks good.

Whew....lol...he does have raised lines.not showing as good in pics

Jeremy

We tend to think of our tortoises shells as solid and impervious to moisture. In fact they are, to some degree, spongy. The keratinous layer on the outside can absorb moisture, or desiccate, depending on the conditions. A desiccated keratinous layer during periods of growth is what causes pyramiding. Keeping that layer soft, pliable and well hydrated with soaks, humidity and spraying, keeps the tissue in the proper state for smooth growth. Swollen growth lines are like a full sponge and are perfectly fine. Its when you start getting ridges that rise vertically, that you have an issue.

 

[RussianTortoiseCraze123]

Ok thank you guys. He has a very well rounded diet, so i dont see why it be pyramiding. He a burmese brown mountain tortoise, about 10 months. Ill get pics asap