Why is my leopard tortoise's shell turning upwards? Is it normal?

Sly's shell does not look bad. The ridge you see is normal. True pyramiding is rare in turtles, that's not saying it doesn't happen. When it does, it is usually a result of poor diet and environment. Pyramiding is much more common in tortoises. YBSs are omnivores. They should be fed mostly greens and vegetables with a small amount of protein in the form of prey such as feeder fish, crickets and earthworms. A commercial pelleted diet supplemented with greens and prey is recommended. Calcium and multivitamin supplements, usually powders sprinkled on food, are necessary. UVB lighting is also critical to shell health.

I don't think this is anything to worry about. This does not look like shell rot - appears to be a scrape. She may be pyramiding. It is hard to tell from the photo angle. You can't reverse it, but you can prevent it from worsening by making sure the diet is 100% correct, as well as the rest of the husbandry. You can refer to this link: ( http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ )

Hello, Yes, this could absolutely be a sign of MBD, or NSHP (Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism). It unfortunately occurs even more often in younger reptiles. I recommend scheduling Leo an appointment with a reptile veterinarian to have him physically examined. They may recommend x-rays as well to best assess bone health. Here is a link from a website I trust to learn more: https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&catId=102919&id=8012396 I hope this helps. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Hi, you’re right, the lumps are difficult to see in the photos. Lumps on or in a turtle shell can be from a number of things. There can be an underlying metabolic issue like metabolic bone disease (lack of UVB light and imbalance of calcium/phosphorus), or pyramiding, which can be from high protein and low humidity. Infections (bacteria, fungus, some parasites) can also cause shell lumps. Because these issues are all so different, it’s important to have Cookie examined by a veterinarian so they can do some tests and get her on the best treatment, if indicated. Good luck!

Those appear to be normal formations on the shell. The ridge can be seen in some sliders but is not a health concern. You can review slider care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

He should be eating some greens and vegetables as well. Avoid the fish flakes as they are high in protein. Use both a multivitamin powder and a calcium powder on the food. Rep-Cal and Zoo Med products can be found in the local Petco. Make sure the UVB light is not blocked by glass, plexiglass or fine mesh. Depending on the strength of the bulb, place the source between 12 and 18 inches from the surface of the basking area. Provide a piece of cuttlebone to float in the tank as a calcium supplement for when he wants to munch it. If you can provide the species of turtle in a new post, we may be able to provide more accurate and comprehensive advice.

Looks can be deceiving, but the shell looks fine in the picture provided. "Heathy" is more than just a clean shell though. He should be eating and defecating normally, basking regularly and swimming. There should be no redness or pitting on the shell. Provide clean water at proper temp, a basking spot also at proper temp, UVB lighting and an appropriate diet. You can review the article at the link below to confirm correct husbandry. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html