Shell condition photo - what is it? Is it anything?

[Crocgirl]

Hi all! Me again.

I stumbled across a post a while ago with someone showing a photo with similar damage(?)/texture to a tortoise shell in the same place as this guy.

I can't remember what the explanation was, I feel like they said it was heat related.. can someone help me with what causes this or where I can find the thread???

Many thanks!

 

[wellington]

I don't see anything wrong.

 

[Crocgirl]

I don't see anything wrong.

I don't think it's necessarily damage, leaving that up to the experts - novice here - I just remember seeing someone explain what causes the dotted pattern at the top of the slight pyramids.. but can't find it again..

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

You mean that the shell seems to be really pyramided in the middle but not in the other scutes?

 

[Tom]

Hi all! Me again.

I stumbled across a post a while ago with someone showing a photo with similar damage(?)/texture to a tortoise shell in the same place as this guy.

I can't remember what the explanation was, I feel like they said it was heat related.. can someone help me with what causes this or where I can find the thread???

Many thanks!

It appears that this tortoise is being housed in dry conditions, and/or there is a heat lamp that is too close, or the wrong type of bulb.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Could you send a photo from the side?

 

[Crocgirl]

I've added some other photos, sorry the original ones were terrible! I think it's keratin stress?? Maybe but I don't really know what that means or if it impacts them at all.

Don't know if these help at all! And could be absolutely nothing as I said, but I always like to ask and make sure.

Thank you all for your knowledge and patience!!

 

[Crocgirl]

Could you send a photo from the side?

Not on me but I can get some ☺️

 

[wellington]

Okay are these little odd circles/squiggly what you are talking about?

 

[Crocgirl]

Okay are these little odd circles/squiggly what you are talking about?
View attachment 378466

Yeah, sorry I wasn't clearer before, it's almost like the top layer of keratin is translucent and these are underneath - if that makes sense

 

[wellington]

We normally see these types of circles on the plastron/bottom shell. They are of no concern at least when on the bottom shell.
I'm going to guess they are the same thing, but see what @Yvonne G says.

 

[Crocgirl]

Small update; I found some threads with similar photos and stuff on the plastron like you said, so I do apologise for the repetition! I couldn't find any before I posted 😅

 

[wellington]

Small update; I found some threads with similar photos and stuff on the plastron like you said, so I do apologise for the repetition! I couldn't find any before I posted 😅

Not a problem. Always better to ask then to not.