Why is the shell of my sulcata tortoise getting softer?

Question

He just got over a phemona and he was doing better, eating and all. But now he won't eat again and when I checked him the other day the bottom of his shell is like purple and blue in spots. It's also very weak and not getting any stronger..I'm afraid of it getting so soft it'll fall apart. But I have no clue what's causing it to become softer..not enough moisture? Not enough nutrition?

I've been force feeding him baby food because he won't eat, and I force feed him a liquid calcium medicine..but it doesn't seem to be working.

Answer 1

Yes, get your turtle to a vet right away. Here is a forum where you can ask some tortoise experts and see what they have to say: http://www.turtleforum.com .

Make sure you have all the correct lighting also- UVB/UVA bulbs and heat bulb.

Answer 2

Are you feeding him the correct diet (not a lot of water-filled leafy greens or fruits- more grasses and other type of food)? Is he kept warm enough?Does he have access to fresh water all the time? Is he getting enough UV light everyday- without the UV he can't process the calcium and does not digest food well? Calcium? If he's not eating and is this bad, take him to the vet for a full checkup and evaluation. Discuss every aspect of the tortoises care with the vet, even if you don't think its something important, and try to figure this out.

Answer 3

If you are force feeding, something is still wrong and that is probably the problem. Also- too much calcium in the wrong ratio is about as bad as too little.

Discolored blue and black is a really bad sign- how long have you seen that, and how old is the tortoise?

This is definitely a vet issue- it sounds pretty bad to me.

Answer 4

Get it to a vet quick, sounds like it has septicemia and it will die without treatment. Should it survive remember that they are a dry climate reptile and make the housing accordlingly.