Shell Rot???

[Eloise's mommy]

Please take a look at Eloise's shell....The white spots....I can't tell if these are old damage or shell rot...she has had them since I got her but another member (Lynn I think) told me I should post some pics of the shell and get your opinions....they are not soft...but today I noticed they may be flakey...I've read that I can use athlete's foot cream is this right and if so how??

 

[Tom]

This sort of shell damage is pretty common in Russians. They have a bit of a rough time of it getting over here sometimes. Did you get it from Petco or Petsmart? Unless this tortoise has been kept super wet all the time, this is not likely to be shell rot. Shell rot usually occurs underneath on the plastron as a result of constant wetness. I'd get this tortoise some sunshine in a big outdoor pen and not worry about it.

 

[Eloise's mommy]

Thanks Tom....She currently has a UVB bulb as it has not warmed up here in Utah but she will be headed outside as soon as temps warm up...and yes I bought her at Petsmart..Will these spots ever go away??

 

[Tom]

Their shells tend to weather over time. Outdoor conditions and burrowing tend to smooth out the rough spots. He's got great color and is a nice looking tortoise.

 

[Eloise's mommy]

THANK YOU!!! I can't wait until the temps warm up!!!