Shell Issue?

[jprice34]

I'm tortoise sitting and noticed that his shell flips up in the back. I've never seen this before. Has anyone dealt with this?

 

[DutchieAmanda]

Hi and welcome!

I'm no expert but that doesn't look good to me. Does he get calcium and UVB light? What does his diet look like?

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

Shell deformities like this are often attributed to metabolic bone disease. The above questions about calcium and UVB/sunlight are good to answer.

 

[HermanniChris]

This is a Russian tortoise, not Hermann's, should be moved admins.

I've seen this issue before usually due do improper growth from lack of hydration and improper diet.

 

[Yvonne G]

The tortoise is too fat and his soft parts are outgrowing his shell.

Please print out a care sheet and give it to the tortoise's owner when they come to pick it up. He's not being cared for properly. This is a good care sheet:

http://russiantortoise.net/care_sheet.htm

 

[jprice34]

Thanks for all info! I'll up his calcium (I don't think she's supplementing him) and check his lighting at home