I know that the expansion of skin in "b" is normal -- I think I read in this forum that they move their body parts for them to breath (e.g. neck moving like that of the frog, skin expanding on the limbs, etc).
"It's part of respiration and floatation. Their lungs are trapped inside that shell, so according to my reading, they move other body parts (legs, neck throat, et cetera) to make room inside the shell to allow their lungs to expand.
And it helps to fill their neck with air to keep their head above water if they are trying to look out. "
What had me worried is "a". That part is bulging all the time. It;s not expanding or moving in our out. It sort of deflates when she's basking, but when on the water, it's like that part is swollen.
-sorry for the blurry pic, but can you see the swollen part? if not, I can email you a higher res picture,
Hence a set of questions.
1.what part of the turtle is "a"? the part where the head/neck and arms meet? the shoulder?
2. "b" is the part to feel for eggs, right?
3. is "b" also the part to determine whether the turtle is underfed or overweight?
4. based on the picture above, can you tell if the turtle is underweight/overweight?
facts: June 2012 - 60 grams
November 2012 - 80 grams
5. It feels like Dumbork has not grown at all. Her SCL is still 2.75 since March 2012. Any reasons why?
facts: 2 pellets per day, 6 pinhead size wheat germ pellet for faster shedding, romaine lettuce every other week
6. Is there any internal organ near "a", that may swell, causing the outward appearance of "a" to swell as well?
7. if you think dumbork is underweight, what can you recommend to add on her feeding list and other steps to take?
8. if you think dumbork is overweight (due to the thick seams/growth lines on her shell, what can you recommend to add on her feeding list and other steps to take?
Now, our vet is still on vacation (hope he's not on sabbatical leave), and we have an appointment next week. I will ask these questions to him. I just want your opinions/comments on these just in case.
Thank you TurteTalk members!
