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Why is my turtle's shell weak and wrinkled with skin issues?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My tortoise's shell is very weak and wrinckles and there is also some sort of wound on it's shell.What should I do?and also it's whole body skin is wrinckled and I don't have any vetrinary support near my place.

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1 Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on February 15th, 2018

It would appear this turtle, not a tortoise, is suffering nutritional deficiency. Reptiles require UVB lighting, either natural unfiltered sunlight or artificially produced by an appropriate light source, in a addition to an appropriate diet with adequate calcium and vitamin supplementation. All these things will aid in the development and maintenance of a health shell. The deficiency may be reversible, however the shell may be malformed for years to come if it survives. Ideally, this turtle should be examined by a veterinarian. A specialist can be consulted via phone or online to obtain proper treatment information. In general, turtles need clean water, a heat lamp for basking, a UVA/UVB light source and a dry area for basking. Most are omnivores and will eat small prey (feeder fish, worms, crickets), fresh greens and a commercial pelleted diet. As stated above, they also require calcium and vitamin supplementation. You can find general care information here: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/care.htm

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