What is this?

Ewalders1

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Hi, I received a new tortoise yesterday. The person just gave it to me because they're moving. When soaking it this morning, I noticed a scab? by it's tail. I tried rubbing it gently with a warm qtip but nothing came off. It's eating fine and acting normal.

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Toddrickfl1

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Hi, I received a new tortoise yesterday. The person just gave it to me because they are moving. When soaking it this morning, I noticed a scab? by it's tail. It's eating fine and acting normal?
Most likely the scar from the yolk sac. You'll need to post pictures for someone to say for sure though.
 

Toddrickfl1

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Hi, I received a new tortoise yesterday. The person just gave it to me because they're moving. When soaking it this morning, I noticed a scab? by it's tail. I tried rubbing it gently with a warm qtip but nothing came off. It's eating fine and acting normal.
I'm unable to see what your referring to in the photos.
 

Ewalders1

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hopefully these are better? let me know and I can take more
 

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Sarah2020

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I use a tooth brush to brush underneath, around the shell and clean claws try that. P. S permanent pen label the brush tortoise to avoid any other use! That area is very sensitive so be very careful and disinfect brush after each use. Do not go near face with brush as you do not want to transmit infections.
 

Ewalders1

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I use a tooth brush to brush underneath, around the shell and clean claws try that. P. S permanent pen label the brush tortoise to avoid any other use! That area is very sensitive so be very careful and disinfect brush after each use. Do not go near face with brush as you do not want to transmit infections.
Thank you! this is a great idea
 

zovick

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Hi, I received a new tortoise yesterday. The person just gave it to me because they're moving. When soaking it this morning, I noticed a scab? by it's tail. I tried rubbing it gently with a warm qtip but nothing came off. It's eating fine and acting normal.
Hard to tell from your photos, but it could be a prolapsed penis which has dried out to the point where it needs veterinary attention to prevent an infection and possible septicemia.

It might be a good idea to have a vet look at it to rule out such a problem and/or treat it as needed.
 

Tom

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I can't tell what is going on under the tail.

Most people don't care for this species correctly and keep them much too dry. Here is the correct care info for you:
 

Ewalders1

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Hard to tell from your photos, but it could be a prolapsed penis which has dried out to the point where it needs veterinary attention to prevent an infection and possible septicemia.

It might be a good idea to have a vet look at it to rule out such a problem and/or treat it as needed.
thanks. Going to look into this.
 

zovick

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Sorry posting from my phone, having computer issues. Here’s better photos.
Big thanks to everyone who has commented.
This is definitely not the scar from the yolk sac, so do not become complacent by thinking that is what you are seeing. That scar would be in the center of the plastron, not coming out of the cloacal opening at the underside of the tail.
 

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