Title: Turtle Shell Deformities
reptileguy2727 - November 15, 2005 04:24 AM (GMT)
i am trying to develop a list of all possilbe turtle shell deformities. these are growth deformities not infections or injuries. i would like to have a list with decription, causes, solutions, that kind of stuff. pretty much solutions will be included in cause. so if it is caused by lack of calcium, obviously more calcium is the solution. so far i have the following:
pyramiding: each scute develops into a pyramid shape. this is caused by too much protein in the diet.
softshell: bone structure of shell is weak and shell itself may bow when pressure is put on the carapace and plastron. this is caused by a lack of calcium absorption caused by a lack of calcium and/or vitD3 and/or UVB.
serating: scutes build up into a serrated look as on a map turtle. obviously this only applies as a deformity if it is a species that this shouldnt be found on. this is caused by improper/incomplete scute shedding caused by insufficient lighting.
curving: shell edges that curve upwards at the edges may be caused by too small of a tank.
please bring up any concerns about that list, and any other suggestions will be appreciated. the other deformities i need info on are:
rippling, when the shell itself has a rippled effect on the scutes.
curving: other causes besides too small of a tank.
doming: when the carapace itself builds into a much steeper dome than that species should have.
Robyn - November 15, 2005 06:04 PM (GMT)
That's an interesting list/study. Do you plan to put it on a web site? If so, I'd like to link to it. I've seen at least one photo sent to me of a turtle with a deformed shell. The edges of the carapace were curved upwards. I think it was in too small a tank but also had a poor diet.
reptileguy2727 - November 16, 2005 01:51 AM (GMT)
can you offer any assistance with this? i was hoping you would shed some light on most of these. im assuming most of these are due to improper diet/lighting, but would like more info on exactly what vitamins are deficient when certain conditiond arise. anything?
Robyn - November 16, 2005 04:33 PM (GMT)
I'm afraid I don't know that much on this topic.
reptileguy2727 - November 16, 2005 04:38 PM (GMT)
okay, i guess i have to do real research. thanks. i let you know as things progress.
reptileguy2727 - November 19, 2005 03:43 PM (GMT)