Monday, January 30, 2012

Why do my salcatta tortoises have pyramiding on their shells?

they're 3 years old and as big as a mans fist.

Why do my salcatta tortoises have pyramiding on their shells?
They are not getting appropriate care or diet. There is something very wrong with their diet and there is some deficiency. Their diet should consist of 80-90% grasses, hays and dark greens, 10-20% vegetables and fruits sparingly. They should also be supplemented with calcium and multivitamin 3 times per week.



I'd suggest consulting a qualified reptile vet. After 3 years, they should be much larger than that, so I'm assuming there could be something wrong that needs fixing.
Reply:they should be way bigger than that now..
Reply:It is a nutritional deficiency. You need to get their diet balanced out and make sure their habitiat is clean and stress free.
Reply:Pyramiding is a form of metabolic bone disease (MBD). It is characterized by a build up or stacking of keratin in the scutes. In advanced cases the shell becomes soft and flattens out.. If you were to tap on the pyramids, they sound hollow. After a summer of grazing on grasses and weeds with plenty of sun and exercise, its shell should become rock hard.
Reply:Pyramiding is a form of metabolic bone disease (MBD). It is characterized by a build up or stacking of keratin in the scutes. In advanced cases the shell becomes soft and flattens out. The above tortoise was rescued from horrible conditions. When I received it the plastron was so soft I could push it in with light pressure. If you were to tap on the pyramids, they sounded hollow. After a summer of grazing on grasses and weeds with plenty of sun and exercise, its shell is now rock hard.

In more advanced stages the shell actually flattens out.









I have discussed this extensively with veterinarians that specialize in reptiles, reptile rehabbers and experienced keepers. It appears that pyramiding in tortoises is from a number of causes. Some are fairly obvious and are mentioned on just about every web site that deals with chelonians:







too much protein

too little calcium

too much phosphorous (a poor calcium :phosphorous ratio)

not enough D3

kidney and/or liver disease (which impair conversion of vitamin D to it's active from), small intestinal disease (disrupts absorption), and disease of the thyroid or parathyroid glands (produce hormones which affect calcium metabolism).

However there are some less obvious, though equally important factors involved



lack of exercise

hydration status

grain based diets

lack of fiber

too much food

being kept too cool

Traditionally the focus has been on protein and calcium. But the protein issue is not as simple as limiting high protein foods. A tortoise can be fed too much protein by feeding large quantities of low protein food. They can also get too much by being fed a normal amount of "good" food if they are confined in a small pen with limited exercise. In the wild tortoises typically walk miles while foraging. The more exercise they get, the more protein is needed. Excess protein in the diet causes the shell to put down heavy layers of keratin. This results in conical scutes giving rise to the appearance of pyramids. It also puts an extra burden on the kidneys and other organs.



Calcium is also an important factor. In the wild the main sources are from the plants, the soil and in the water. Phosphorous plays a limiting role in calcium utilization. High levels of phosphorous leads to calcium being leached from the bones. A recent study showed that teenage girls are now showing signs of early osteoporosis. The relate it to drinking soda which are high in phosphoric acid. For our tortoises the main dietary source of phosphorous is protein. So once again high protein diets tie in. To counter act this and to get the calcium/phosphorous ratio to a healthy 2:1 , its is often recommended to dust all food with calcium (usually calcium carbonate). While superficially it does seem to have benefit, it has its own problems. Too much calcium results in secondary deficiencies of zinc, copper and iodine, malabsorption of essential fatty acids, and formation of calcium-containing bladder stones. Lack of calcium results in soft shells that often accompany pyramiding.



A far better way to provide calcium is to feed plants that are high in bioavailable calcium and leave cuttleboe with them at all times





Vitamin D3 is essential for proper calcium utilization. Tortoises produce their own from exposure to ultraviolet B rays . The ideal source is from exposure to the sun. However many calcium supplements come with D3. Its very easy to over supplement with D3. This can result in calcification of soft tissue. There are a number of bulbs available that provide UVB so D3 supplementation isn't necessary. For more info on the output of these bulbs visit http://russiantortoise.org/uvb.htm



An often overlooked factor is grain based diets. These are the pellet food that some claim to be essential to health. They typically contain soy, wheat and or rice. These are high in omega 6 fatty acids which has a negative effect on health. They also have an acidifying effect which causes a leaching of bone. They are high in phytates which binds calcium and other minerals. They also have an unfavorable ca/ph ratio and a low ca/mg ratio which has a negative impact on calcium metabolism. Grains alter Vit D metabolism. Diets high in grains can have a negative impact on bone growth in spite of adequate exposure to sunshine.



Exercise is very important. It speeds up metabolism. As mentioned before it increases the need for protein. It also causes healthy deposition of calcium in the bones.



Fiber is extremely important for grassland tortoises (as is the type of fiber):



"The cells of the lower bowel receive about 50% of their nutrition from the nutrients in ingesta (and 50% from the blood stream). They specifically need beta-hydroxybutyrate (a short-chain fatty acid that derives from the fermentation of fiber in the lower bowel). One can compare fermentation rates between pellets and the fiber lengths we use, and see a significant difference. The differences means that tortoises on our foods have healthier bowels, which translates into better stools, better abilities to resist and control parasite infestations, better energy metabolism, and better control of nitrogen metabolism (and hence kidney health). Moreover, more water is held in the lower bowel when they're fed the longer length forages, which helps again with water balance and hence kidney function."







Hydration is also important. It includes not just having enough water for drinking but humidity as well. A recent study showed that Sulcata kept at higher humidity levels resulted in less pyramiding than those kept in more arid conditions....in spite of a high protein diet. (diet paper)



Often overlooked is the effect of cool temperatures. Tortoises require a body temperature of 80-90°F to properly digest food. If kept too cool they will still eat and remain active. However they wont be able to properly digest their food and abosrb nutrient, inclding calcium.



PROPER FEEDING:

In the wild, these herbivores species primarily on grasses, shrubs and succulent plants...surprisingly, Leopard tortoises in their natural range prefer Portulacaceae spp. In captivity the ideal situation for these animals to sustain themselves, is to just allow them to graze in a well planted chemically untreated area of your yard. Mine spend most of the year outside in a large pen heavily planted with the Grazing Tortoise Seed Mix For the few months that they are kept indoors, I grow the mix in cat litter boxes.







Opuntia berries







The diet should be at least 70% grasses and hay. Not surprisingly, given its preference for grassland habitats the Sulcata grazes, extensively upon mixed grasses weeds, and flowers. It also favors the fruit and pads of the prickly pear (Opuntia sp.), succulents and thistles. "Meat" foods should never be given to because it can lead to excessive growth, high blood-urea levels, kidney/liver problems, and bladder stones.



In captivity it is a common error to feed too much wet food such as lettuce, tomatoes and fruit when in reality this tortoise requires a coarse, high fiber diet. Feeding excessive fruit or soft foods frequently leads to repeated flagellate (a type of parasite) and other gut problems such as colic, most probably as a result of increased gut motility However, the risks associated with the feeding of fruit can be minimized in very healthy tortoises that are already receiving a varied grassland diet. Adding Hay to the diet to will balance this effect.



Long term ingestion of the chemicals commonly sprayed on produce is a health concern. Choose organic greens when possible or be sure to wash in mild soapy water and rinse well. Remove plastic and metal wrappers so your torts don't accidentally ingest these.



Nutritious chemical free healthy foods are often freely available in your yard or vacant lots.

Grasses, Clovers, Grape, Mulberry %26amp; Fig leaves, Dandelion, Plantain (the weed) , Hibiscus (leaves and flowers), Opuntia, Thistles, Chickweed .This link will help you to be able to identify edible plants:





Better of the easily obtainable grocery greens:

Aim for a high Calcium to Phosphorus ratio and low protein diet. When fed in excess, foods high in Oxalates have been implicated in binding minerals including calcium (marked with asterisk*).

Moderation and variety is the key.

Regularly:

Dark Leafy Greens such as: Endive, *Watercress, Romaine, *Collard Greens, *Kale, Dandelion, Chicory, Escarole, Radicchio, Turnip Greens, Opuntia (smooth or despined)

Occasionally:

Cabbage, Carrots, Carrot Tops, Red Leaf Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Alfalfa Hay, Parsley

**** Rarely****:

Swiss Chard, Spinach, Broccoli, Bok choy, Iceberg lettuce, Sweet Potatoes, Sprouts of any kind, Corn, Cucumbers, Beet Greens, Fruit in general.

Never: Rhubarb, Beans of any kind, dog food, pasta



For more information on why foods above are listed as they are, please visit the links below:

Tortoise Diet

Nutrient Analyses of Replacment Tortoise Foods

CTTC - Tortoise Diet Information



Pyramiding and Shell problems

Pyramiding

Metabolic Bone Disease



GETTING THEM TO EAT HEALTHIER FOODS:

Mixing larger portions of things your tort likes in chopped "salads" and slowly cut back on "treat" foods in this mix, is one way to get them adjusted to a better diet. If you tort is healthy and has water available at all times, it wont hurt them to go a couple days w/o food, esp. if it helps them to be hungry enough to appreciate a healthier diet. You might also try putting a bit of squash (or some other foods that they especially like) in the blender and pouring this over the new foods that you're introducing. This is a good chance to sneak extra Calcium in if needed.
Reply:My sister in law has a turtle that isn't even a year old yet that is that size. She just keeps on growing. She's a red eared slider though. I did find this site that has pics of pyramiding and tells you the causes of it and what to do about it. I hope your babies get better.



http://www.turtlestuff.com/pyramid.html

Here is one specifically for sulcatas

http://www.turtlehomes.org/usa/sulcatain...


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