What happens if a turtle loses its shell

As mentioned earlier, even the smallest fracture can leave your pet exposed to dangerous bacteria that can kill him. Veterinarians can help the healing process along by applying antibiotics and then sealing the crack with a special bonding material. Smaller fractures and cracks are easier to fix than larger holes, but let your vet decide how to proceed.

Even if it looks really bad to you, it might not be too big of a hole to fix. All turtles and tortoises are born with a shell. Unlike some other animals, turtles and tortoises do not molt and grow a new shell when they grow and mature. Instead, the shells grow with the turtle.

Since the shell is part of their exoskeleton, it grows at the same pace as the rest of the skeletal system. The plates are called scutes, and they grow over time, overlap, and sometimes shed off. But only turtle scutes shed; tortoises never shed theirs. Instead, tortoise scutes just keep growing and overlapping. Recently, scientists discovered fossils from Eunotosaurus africanus , which was the missing link between previous fossils of non-shelled turtles and modern turtles and tortoises.

What we do know if that turtles and tortoises primarily use their shells for protection. Tall, rounded shells are hard for predators to get their jaws around. Tough shells are nearly impossible for predators to chew or scratch through. And sea turtles, even with their softer shells, have the benefit of a suit of armor to fend off anything trying to take a bite. Obviously, turtle and tortoise shells do a phenomenal job of protecting their owners.

But one scientist believes these shells evolved for another purpose. According to Tyler Lyson from the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, tortoise and turtle shells may have evolved as a way to help digging. While we are far from definitive answers, this new idea is taking hold.

Whether digging in mud for food or digging into the sand to escape the heat, the shell of these ancestors was shaped perfectly for balance, strength, and digging efficiency. This is especially convincing given the string claws found on the fossils. A turtle or tortoise without its shell would die a painful death. But if it helps people take better care of their pet tortoises, it was worth the nightmares. Keep a close eye on your pet tortoise. Feed her well and maintain her enclosure. Check her shell frequently for cracks or holes, and get her to the vet right away if you notice any changes.

Caught early, a damaged shell may be mended. How do turtles get their shells? Turtles and tortoises are born with their shells. While they may be softer right after hatching, they quickly harden and gain better protection for the animal. Their shells grow with them, getting bigger and stronger over time. It may take months for a shell injury to return to normal. If you are cleaning the shell yourself, use a very soft scrubber such as a soft toothbrush and work very slowly and carefully.

If you don't have access to antibiotic cream, another option is an antibacterial ointment such as Betadine or Povidone-Iodine. Once debrided, a turtle should be kept dry and warm for a few days, but with access to a small bowl of water for drinking.

This process may have to be repeated several times over the course of a few weeks. If, after several debridings and use of antibacterial ointment, your turtle is still showing signs of shell disease, visit your vet. In many cases, there's no need to prevent scute shedding. It's a necessary and important part of water turtle growth and health. To avoid problems, however, it's important to maintain an appropriate environment for your turtle and check in with a vet as soon as health issues arise.

Disorders and Diseases of Reptiles. Merck Veterinary Manual. Shedding Management for Companion Reptiles. Companion Animals, Cooperative Extension, U. Food and Drug Administration. Palmeiro BS, Roberts H. Clinical approach to dermatologic disease in exotic animals. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data.

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This was such a prevalent and unknown issue that Florida wildlife officials had to release an official advisory at one point. A turtle without a shell would not have enough skin surface area to absorb sufficient amounts of UV rays, and it would face the same fate as wild turtles that were discovered, sick and dead, after having their shells covered in paint.

Even human beings that never receive any exposure to sunlight would not survive forever unless they got sufficient amounts of vitamin D3 in their diet. If you imagine how a turtle or tortoise looks without its shell, you will quickly realize why it would not survive. It is the equivalent of looking into the body cavity of an animal that was opened up for dissection in a biology class.

You would be able to see all of the organs and internal structures, and they would be exposed to everything — the dry air, bacteria, predators, even falling out if the animal was flipped upside down. This animal is the closest visual example of how a turtle without its shell would look. Its ribs and body had already broadened, and the lower ribs had even fused into a plastron, but it had not yet developed a carapace top portion of the shell.

Cartoons and other sources have perpetuated the myth that a turtle can come and go from its shell. Usually, skin is pliable. Bones are inside of the body. If hermit crabs can ditch their shells, then why not turtles and tortoises?

Most people are aware that turtles hide from predators in their shell, but the shell has so many other vital functions. While we all know their shells, few people know the sounds turtles make — read on and learn more! We hope our article helped you out. Please tell us what you want to read about next and fill out our 5-minute survey.