Shell damage question

[jsheffield]

I recently adopted a female Russian tortoise who had apparently been living wild in Virginia for a while.

She's been doing well in NH, but I noticed a bit of damage to her shell in my first inspection. I didn't think much of it at the time, but determined to keep an eye on it.

This morning I noticed some skin abrasian that I assume is related to the shell damage.

It's not a real injury yet, but I'd love to avoid that for her... I was thinking about taking off the offending jagged edge with either toenail clippers or a Dremel, but thought I'd check in here first.

Thanks for your help,

Jamie (and Persephone)

 

[iAmCentrochelys sulcata]

You should definitely watch out with that, a lot of members have been recently posting about shell injuring the Scales/Skin.
Wait for for experienced members to come by. Good luck!

 

[LiveLoveLift_1985]

I recently adopted a female Russian tortoise who had apparently been living wild in Virginia for a while.

She's been doing well in NH, but I noticed a bit of damage to her shell in my first inspection. I didn't think much of it at the time, but determined to keep an eye on it.
View attachment 293701
This morning I noticed some skin abrasian that I assume is related to the shell damage.
View attachment 293702
It's not a real injury yet, but I'd love to avoid that for her... I was thinking about taking off the offending jagged edge with either toenail clippers or a Dremel, but thought I'd check in here first.

Thanks for your help,

Jamie (and Persephone)

I personally would use a soft bristled tooth brush to move any loose debris, soak, then let any loose attached fragments fall off naturally while using a topical ointment for shells. OR clip off any loose attached shell as close to the attachment site.

 

[jsheffield]

It was the work of ten seconds with the Dremel... she hated the sound and the vibrating thing so near her head, but it was over pretty quickly.

After the Dremel-work was done, I used a small piece of sandpaper over my finger to smooth/even it off the rest of the way.

#missionaccomplished

 

[Toddrickfl1]

It was the work of ten seconds with the Dremel... she hated the sound and the vibrating thing so near her head, but it was over pretty quickly.

After the Dremel-work was done, I used a small piece of sandpaper over my finger to smooth/even it off the rest of the way.

#missionaccomplished

You better look over your shoulder for the rest of the day.....

 

[jsheffield]

You better look over your shoulder for the rest of the day.....

She urated at me while it was going on, and I think if the Dremel had been a few decibels less noisy she would have taken one of my fingertips.

J

 

[KronksMom]

Now that it's over, she'll be so much more comfortable though!