Shell rot?

[Sioux]

Hello! I have a Russian Tortoise who I believe is around 5-10 years old. His name is Mr.T and I have had him for around 3 years. He is very sassy, has a lot of attitude, and loves to cuddle and go to sleep on his favorite blanket. I sort of rescued him from someone who was going to college and could not take him with them. They weren’t soaking him, he did not have proper lighting/heat, and they were feeding him strictly pre-bagged shredded iceberg lettuce. Obviously, he is being better taken care of now. My reason for posting is because I am not sure what this new “sore” is on the bottom of his shell. He has been spending the week at my dad’s house, so I just noticed this problem area. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what this may be, and how I can treat it? Just figured i’d pick y’alls brains before taking him to a vet. Thank you!

 

[Yvonne G]

Is it possible it has always been there and you just never noticed it? Reason I ask is because wild caught russian tortoises come to this country with lots of dings and scratches. It's rare to see a perfect shell. But if it's new, then, yes, it does look like it might be the start of shell rot. Even if it isn't, treating it won't do any harm.

Clean the area well, scrubbing with a disinfectant soap and toothbrush. Allow it to dry thoroughly then apply athlete foot cream. You can do this for a couple weeks.

 

[Sioux]

I am sure this is a new sore. He’s never had anything like this before. When he gets his weekly soak, I always inspect him just to make sure he’s all good. Do you think there is something I am doing wrong that could’ve caused this? Thank you for your help!

 

[Markw84]

That looks a bit like a puncture wound to me. Dropped on something sharp? Does look like a dog bite too. Any animals have access? The treatment @Yvonne G outlined would still be appropriate.

 

[Sioux]

I don’t believe he was dropped. Of course he bangs his shell on the baseboards and hardwood floors when he roams the house, but there’s nothing I can think of that could’ve caused a puncture. He’s the only pet in our family, even at my dad’s, so dogs/any other animal bite couldn’t be it either. I will definitely start treatment, just to be on the safe side, when I get home this evening.