Pet Turtle : Osteodystrophy

Osteodystrophy results from incorrect diet, and is associated with a calcium deficiency, or even a calcium/phosphorus imbalance, or a vitamin D3 deficiency, abnormalities of the bony skeleton, with deformation of the plastron and carapace.

This may also result in swimming and balance problems.

Classical hypovitaminosis D3 (deficiency of) is diagnosed by the presence of a saddle shaped carapace. If young turtles are not getting sufficient calcium, as they get older their shells will become soft: this can be detected by a squeeze test, carefully pressing on the carapace and plastron. If not corrected at this early stage, then the tortoise will develop a deformed shell.

In the young turtle it is seen as a soft and deformed shell, an inability to walk and thus lift itself. While, in the adult it manifests itself through collapsing/excessive shedding of the scutes (shields).

Remedial Measures
1. Increase the dietary calcium & vitamin D intake.
Click here for more information on increasing dietary Calcium & Vitamin D3.

2. Also provide them with exposure to UVB light or unfiltered sunlight in a DSE habitat.