Shell rot?

[Eeriecrimson]

Big african tortoise(?) came into my shelter today with his shell looking like this. We don't deal in this normally and we have someone lined up to take him, just want to know if we should do anything for him while he is in our care for the next few days.

 

[jaizei]

I don't like the term 'shell rot' but I think it could have been caused in part by something fungal.

 

[zovick]

I don't like the term 'shell rot' but I think it could have been caused in part by something fungal.

From the location, it looks like the tortoise may have been too close to a heat lamp at some point. This scenario is much more likely than any type of fungal problem on the carapace.

@Eeriecrimson It is a very old injury. There is really no need for you to do anything to it in the short time you say you will have the animal.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I'm also thinking possible thermal burns.
But it's just a theory

 

[COmtnLady]

How has it been kept before it came to you? That looks like a burn. @Yvonne G how to deal with the scutes? (Peel or not? Any sort of salve or moisturizer that could help?)