Worn through scutes...

[motero]

Male, 12 year old, 72lb, Sulcata. He has burrowed most of his life he is working hard on a new burrow in the hard Arizona caliche. He has rubbed through the scutes on a couple of high spots, there is hard bone exposed. About the size of a 50 cent piece. What if any thing, should or can I do for him. Will the scute grow back? Does this pose any health risks? Thanks

 

[DoctorCosmonaut]

I can't give you advice, but I'm sure those who can will want to see photos. Can you post some?

 

[Yvonne G]

If you can stop the wear and tear, eventually (and I mean a very long time) new keratin will grow UNDER that exposed bone, that white bone will die off and fall away. But it takes a VERY LONG time.

Can we see some pictures?

 

[motero]

I'll get some pictures. But I don't think I can stop him from burrowing, he has spent his whole life under ground. Could I cover the worn spot with some thing? Armor plate his shell? Eventually I think he will get comfortable and stop digging so much.

 

[motero]

Ok what do you think? He has about 4 spots that have worn through, Non of them bigger than a quarter.