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Flaky scutes Posted: 12/01/2009 by tortoise7 |
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Hi
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Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 12/01/2009 by tpgarlene |
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Hi Jane Old damage to the shell appears like this, but it is very difficult to say without actually seeing it, would it be possible to post some pictures? In the meantime, keep an eye on it and keep it clean. Instinct says that a good diet, keeping her well hydrated and making sure that you suppliment her food with something like Nutrobol will help improve it. best regards Arlene | |
Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 12/01/2009 by TPGDarren |
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Hi Jane, | |
Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 12/01/2009 by tortoise7 |
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Hi I will take some photo's tomorrow. Molly refuses to eat anything that I have dusted with nutrabol, I have also tried Lime flour but she isn't having any of it. I have a cuttle fish in her pen, but she won't touch that either. The only thing I am relying on to give her some noursihment is fresh weeds, Plantain & Dandelions. I bath her everyday at the moment to keep her rehydrated and will continue with the daily baths all the while she is indoors. Anyway I will wait and see what you think once I have posted the photo's which will be tomorrow evening now. | |
Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 12/01/2009 by tpgNina |
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Hi Jane, | |
Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 13/01/2009 by tortoise7 |
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Hi Thanks
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Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 13/01/2009 by tortoise7 |
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Hi Nina | |
Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 14/01/2009 by vivtpgadmin |
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Hi Jane, here is the link explaining how to load photos (although you have probably already read it!!) http://www.tortoise-protection-group.org.uk/site/142.asp. If you are still having difficulties email me your pics and I will see if I can upload them for you. Regards Vivienne | |
Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 14/01/2009 by tortoise7 |
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Hi Vivienne Thanks- that is the one I already use which I don't normally have any problems with, that is why I thought it was the site, if not the TPG site then I had better review again what I am doing. | |
Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 14/01/2009 by tpgNina |
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Hi Jane, | |
Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 14/01/2009 by tortoise7 |
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Hi Nina | |
Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 14/01/2009 by tpgadmin |
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Not Vivienne but if you send your pictures as an attachment to vivienne@tortoise-protection-group.org.uk she will try and upload them later for you I'm sure.
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Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 14/01/2009 by tortoise7 |
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Thanks Regards
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Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 15/01/2009 by vivtpgadmin |
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Hi Jane, I have added Molly's photo to the members gallery, we will take a look and post comments to you shortly. Regards Vivienne | |
Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 15/01/2009 by tortoise7 |
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Thank you Vivienne | |
Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 15/01/2009 by tpgadmin |
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This is definitely shell rot Jane and looks as if it is long standing. You will need to be fairly brutal and remove as much surrounding loose shell as you can as bacteria harbours under the loose shell. Although the ointment will do the same job I personally would recommend you use liquid betadine or tamodine or povoiodine (well diluted). Nina has explained the dilution earlier. This will run easier under any loose shell you haven't managed to scrape off, When I use it I also give the whole of the shell a gently wash over with a soft toothbrush and then rinse it off. I don't rinse it off the are of shell rot. I'll upload a photo later today in the TPG Photo Gallery of a wild tortoise with shell rot. Helen | |
Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 15/01/2009 by tortoise7 |
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Hi Helen
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Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 15/01/2009 by tpgadmin |
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Hi Jane I knew that Betadine was being phased out Jane, but it may still available in some chemists. Tamodine is just the same iodine based product. You are doing fine Jane just get rid of the flaky shell. I've attached a picture below of one of my rehomer tortoises that had shell rot. This picture shows, not bone, but pus. This is white and hard and does come off. It has healed over pretty will but I can't upload a picture to show you as she is in the fridge asleep. Helen
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Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 15/01/2009 by tortoise7 |
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Hi Helen I have done the rounds to all the chemists and none stock Tamodine or any substitute to it. The nearest I was offered was hibiscrub, which I don't think would be anywhere as effective. Has anyone got any suggestions what else I could use? or shall I just keep going with the ointment?
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Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 15/01/2009 by tpgadmin |
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Hi Jane You can buy Tamodine on-line from VetArk. Here's a link: http://www.noahs-cupboard.co.uk/listing.asp?catno=5 It can take a while to heal to be honest and as with everything if you are concerned the best advice I can give is let your vet see this and advise treatment. Personally I would keep up with the ointment for now. Helen
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Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 15/01/2009 by tortoise7 |
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Thanks Helen | |
Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 15/01/2009 by tpgadmin |
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It's taken an age for me to find it but at long last I've found the photo I was looking for (I took thousands of pics). If you look at the TPG photo gallery and scroll down until you find the tortoises with problems album you'll find the picture I promised of shell rot on a tortoise in the wild. Helen | |
Re: Flaky scutes Posted: 15/01/2009 by tortoise7 |
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Hi Helen Just had a look. yes definately shell rot although Molly's looks alot healthier, if you understand what I mean. | |