Urgent Care :: Is my turtle's shell normal?

[ilovedodo]

Hi, I have just noticed that the little upside down "triangle" on the bottom of my turtle's shell is protruding. I don't know if this is normal because I've never paid special attention to that area. My turtle is a 8" long adult RES. She refused to eat turtle bone for a while. Should I be concerned about her lack of calcium even though she's an adult turtle?

Thanks in advance!

[dumbork14]

Hello! Welcome to the forum! Have you pressed/explored that particular part and noticed if it's soft to the touch? I have no expertise on turtle's plastron, so let's wait for the other member's opinions. Is she getting enough UVB/ sunlight?

[ilovedodo]

NO, it's not soft to touch. It is normal as the rest of the plastron. She's kept indoors and I have a UVB lamp for her. But I haven't changed the bulb for a while. Did this happen because of the lack of UVB she's getting?

By the way, she refuses to eat turtle bone. Does the Repto Mini pellet supply enough calcium for her?

Thanks again!

[steve]

Do you mean the gular scutes?



It is protruding a bit but shouldn't be a problem. How is the rest of the shell? There looks like there is some pitting.

[ilovedodo]

Yes, gula scutes. Should I be worried? I have already reinstalled a new UVB bulb and gotten her to take in turtle bones. What more should be done?

[steve]

Some of it will shed, though I don't really know because I'm not familiar with the history or any current/previous issues like retained scutes, deformities, excessive feeding, etc.

[ilovedodo]

No retained scutes, deformities, or excessive feeding. She had fungus on her shell before, like a year ago. But she was cured.

[steve]

When was the last time she shed? What treatment was used?