Does my turtle have metabolic bone disease?
It could be one of two things, metabolic bone disease or something called pyramiding. A turtle with an inadequate calcium or Vitamin D intake, inadequate exposure to ultraviolet light, or disease of the liver, kidneys, or parathyroid glands may develop metabolic bone disease. This causes softening and malformation of the bones. The shells of turtles with metabolic bone disease are often deformed, with the rear area of the carapace pulled downward, and the marginal scutes pulled upward. Tortoises with metabolic bone disease may develop pyramid-shaped scutes. Metabolic bone disease can be fatal; turtles suspected of having this disease should be examined by a veterinarian. Husbandry and diet changes may be able to correct the calcium imbalance, but deformities are generally permanent. Pyramiding, or pyramidal growth syndrome is a condition in which the scutes take on a conical shape. This condition has been associated with feeding excessive protein, inadequate calcium, low fiber, and oth
