Many people decide to welcome a tortoise into their home as it is a species that can be kept at home as long as sufficient care is taken and always taking into account the need of a wide space where the turtle can walk freely and exercise.
In addition, they can even live up to 80 years, always depending on the species and the individual characteristics of each turtle, so this animal will accompany us for a long period of time.
Today on our site we explain to you what pyramiding in tortoises is and why it happens, so that you can prevent this disease that can seriously aggravate your pet's he alth.
What is pyramiding?
Pyramidism is a disease that affects the shell of turtles, deforming it as a result of excessive growth. Specifically, this abnormal development affects the scutes (the outer part of the shell made of keratin), which grow vertically.
Unfortunately, damage to the shell can lead to very serious consequences for the turtle, as it may interfere with normal lung function, causing weakness and deformity in the limbs, nail problems, arthritis, paralysis due to deformation of the vertebrae and even a slow death.
In the case of females, pyramiding will affect egg laying, causing problems during this stage as well.
Why does pyramiding happen in tortoises?
Pyramidism in tortoises can have multiple causes, some tortoises will develop it due to some factors and others will present an aetiology completely different. The causes of pyramiding in turtles can be the following:
Low humidity: When the turtle does not have the necessary humidity conditions it can develop pyramidism
Sedentary life: Lack of exercise will weaken the anatomical structures of the turtle, predisposing it to various anomalies
Dietary problems: Overeating, excess protein or a diet low in calcium and vitamin D3 are closely linked to the appearance of pyramiding
Lack of sun exposure: Turtles need direct sun exposure to synthesize vitamin D3 and fix calcium in their structures, if they do not have enough vitamin D3 their shell will be damaged
Diseases in the thyroid and parathyroid glands: These glands synthesize hormones that affect calcium metabolism, in pathological conditions they will cause damage to the shell of the turtle
Genetic factors: Some species of tortoises suffer from a genetic predisposition to pyramiding, such as the Geochelone Sulcata or Geochelone Gigantea
To correct the cause of pyramiding, it is important that our turtle undergoes a exhaustive veterinary exam.
Can pyramiding in turtles be treated?
Unfortunately pyramiding in turtles cannot be treated, although it can be partially improved when the disease is noticed in the early stages and in young specimens.
It is also important to be able to determine what has caused the disease in order to correct that factor and offer our turtle a better quality of life.
How to prevent pyramiding in turtles
Pyramidism in turtles can be prevented and for this we only need to implement the following dietary hygienic measures:
