Tortoises are an order of reptiles referred to as Testudines, characterized by a shell developed primarily from their ribs [1]. There are 360 living and recently extinct species of turtles, including land turtles and freshwater turtles. There are seven species of sea turtles living in the world, and five of those species are seen in the Mediterranean while Chelonia mydas (green turtle) and Caretta caretta species nest on the coasts of our country [2].
Shell Structure and Problems Encountered Within the Shell
There are two parts to the shell of the turtle, they’re made mostly of bone. The upper part is named the ‘carapace’ and the bottom half is called the ‘plastron’ [3]. Newly born water turtles still complete their development with a suitable diet after hatching. Since their shells are still soft, it is expected to become hard with additional nutrition. It’s expected to take approximately 1 year for the desired hardness to be reached. If enough calcium and vitamin D are taken, sufficient shell hardness is usually achieved at the end of this period [4]. Otherwise, problems with shell deformation of turtles caused by malnutrition begin to seem. It is possible to talk about different options for the general cause of the deformations in the shell.
Among them [4]:
- There could also be collapses in some parts of the upper crust.
- There could also be folds on the edges of the shell.
- The development of the body slows down or stops.
- Change begins within the beak and nails.
- It is noticed that the beak and nails grow faster than they ought to.
Shell Diseases
There are some diseases about the shells: These include metabolic bone disease and pyramiding, kidney failure and sloughing of scuttles, ulcers, and other causes of deformed scuttles [5].
Metabolic bone disease and pyramiding
A turtle with insufficient calcium or vitamin D intake, insufficient exposure to ultraviolet, or disease of the liver, kidneys, or parathyroid glands can develop metabolic bone disease. This causes softening and deformity of the bones. The shells of turtles with the bone disease are often deformed, the posterior part of the shell is pulled down and the cavities on the side are pulled up. Turtles with (the) bone disease may develop pyramid-shaped sores. Metabolic bone disease is often fatal [5].
Kidney Failures and Sloughing of Scuttles
The kidneys help maintain proper calcium and phosphorus levels within the blood. If the kidneys fail, the extent of phosphorus in the blood rises. The turtle’s body tries to compensate by moving the calcium from the bones into the bloodstream. The bones within the shell may soften later [5].
Ulcers
Shell ulcers could also be superficial or deep and may be referred to as “crust rot.” Ulcers are often result of poor farming [5].
Other Causes of Deformed Scuttles
Scuttles can also be deformed in size or shape due to genetics or improper egg incubation [5].
Turtles are in danger of extinction day by day. If you’re a turtle owner, remember that there are important points about turtle care. If your turtle shows any symptoms of bone disease, consult a veterinarian. Getting support from a veterinarian and trying to require precautions before causing serious problems would be the best option.
References:
- Monitoring and Conservation Studies of Sea Turtles (Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas): A Case Study of Göksu Delta PDF
- https://www.petcoach.co/article/shells-anatomy-and-diseases-of-turtle-and-tortoise-shells/
- https://patigen.com/su-kaplumbagalarinda-kabuk-deformasyonu/#Kabukta_Karsilasilan_Sorunlar
- https://www.petcoach.co/article/shells-anatomy-and-diseases-of-turtle-and-tortoise-shells/
- https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/turtles-aquatic-problems
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1751616120305257?via%3Dihub
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0928493109001830?via%3Dihub
Figure References:
- https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Examples-of-scute-and-limb-deformities-from-turtles-from-Old-Ausable-Channel-Ontario_fig1_237079152
- https://www.petcoach.co/article/shells-anatomy-and-diseases-of-turtle-and-tortoise-shells/
- https://www.petsulcata.com/sulcata-tortoise-health/shell-deformity-in-sulcata-tortoise/
- https://www.petsulcata.com/sulcata-tortoise-health/shell-deformity-in-sulcata-tortoise/
Inspector: Süleyman ŞAHİN
