Is this normal or should i be doing something to rectify this?

Also, the mouth seems to be looking more inturned the older it gets - the bottom lip.

I went to the vets about 2 months ago and this was noted (the mouth). Is this normal?

I tried to attach pics of both issues but the server wouldnt play ball. I can email these to you direct?

Please help me, i am very concerned...

Gina

Hi Gina,

I'm sorry, but I don't know what to say about your tortoise's problems, but you can post the photos to me if you like, and I'll see if I can get them on the forum (you can also click on How to use the Forum, in the left-hand column under TPG Members Forum for instructions on how to post photos -- I know you have to reduce them in size):    nina@tortoise-protection-group.org.uk

Nina

Hi Gina, as Nina says we would need to see photos of the plastron and face area.  Please do send photos to either Nina or myself.

You can also add photos to a reply, there is a box saying 'Upload images' in green and 'Upload' next to it in blue, try adding them to a reply.  If you choose this way when you are asked to add images press this and they will automatically be added.

Vivienne

Hi Vivienne,

Thanks very much for your reply. I have been unable to attach photos - even wben shrunk!

I have emailed them to Nina instead.

Thanks again,

Gina

Hi Gina,

Many thanks for sending me the photos, and I am forwarding them to the TPG moderators, and I'm sure you'll hear from them soon. I'm not sure about the mouth -- it doesn't look too bad to me, but the photo in your second email of the ridge on the plastron is alarming, and I think you need an expert opinion on that. In the meantime, can you tell us how you are keeping him (what sort of indoor and outdoor enclosure do you have, do you have a good UVB light indoors, and what are you feeding him)?

Nina

Hi Nina,

Thanks for your reply. I would really value any opinions and/or advice on the plastron or mouth situation.

I currently have an indoor tortoise table - it is 15 inch x 20 inch. It is of solid wood construction - hand made and has a mesh top to it. I use aubiouse as a substrate with newspaper as a liner.

I use a UVB strip 10.0 and a spot 60W. It is regulated by a thermostat. The lights are on for 11 hours a day and regulated to 30 degrees .

I feed him weeds - I try to give him a varied diet as much as possible. I use limestone supplement and calcium supplement on all food.

I make sure there is something out to eat everyday before i go to work, I bath him for 20 mins each day when i get home and feed him straight after. He may have 4 - 6 leaves per day.

I dont currently have an outdoor enclosure - my yard isnt secure. This is something that i need to organise asap.

I hope this helps...

I look forward to your advice!

Gina

Hi all,

I have just measured the little one. Thought it may be useful for you to know...

Born 26th Oct 2006 which makes him 2 years and 10 months

Length - 7.5cm

Width - 5.7cm

Height - 4 cm

Weight - 73 g

Jackson - 0.173

Measurement (unfortuantely no weight) at 2 years old -

Length - 6.5cm

Width - 5cm

Height - 3.5cm 

I have noticed over the last few months that his carapace is looking slightly less rounded - his scutes are a little raised. Could this be early signs of pyramiding?

His shell also goes in slightly at the sides (where you may pick him up - just above his rear legs) - marginals? is this natural with the shell going around the legs? This has always been like this.

Should i be concerned about any of this?

If so, is this something i can rectify?

I can send pics if that is useful...

Gina

Hi Gina,

I have seen this before, though not as pronounced.

I've mailed the photos to Kevin Eatwell - will get back to you as soon as I've heard from him

All the Best
Darren

Hi Darren,

Great. Thank you very much for your help.

Gina

Hi Darren,

Did Kevin get back to you?

Gina