Is gooey, melted marshmallow urate normal for my Russian tortoise?

Thank you for your question about Kinobi. The white material that you are seeing is normal, and it is part of the urine. In tortoises, the urine component is made up of two parts - a solid form of the urine called the urates, and then the liquid component of the urine. As long as the urine is clear and the urates are white, everything is good. You should be seeing both white and clear every time Kinobi goes to the bathroom, ideally. I did not see what species of tortoise Kinobi is, but you can also soak your tortoise 1-2 times per week in 85-90F water for 15-20 minutes per time. This will help to keep Kinobi hydrated. I hope that answers your question, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Thanks for reaching out about Shelley. Including a photo might help determine the nature of the cracks. The scutes typically have growth rings but these are symmetric around the scutes. They can vary on their width dependent on growth spurts. As for the white substance in the urine. Reptiles excrete kidney waste in two forms: clear urine and white, thick urates. The urates are a method to conserve water in the body. Large amounts of urates can be an indication of dehydration. Another possibility of white in the urine is calcium deposits. Excess calcium in the diet is excreted in the urine. This increased concentration of calcium in the urine, can be a precursor to a bladder stone. Different species (not identified by you) of tortoises are more prone to calcium stones. Research proper husbandry and nutrition for your tortoise to ensure long term health. A veterinary visit is recommended, at least annually, just as if for humans, dogs and cats. Good luck.

Urine should be clear, however it can be discolored by food. Dandelions can color the urine pink temporarily. Other foods with red coloring can also cause pink urine. If he is behaving normally otherwise, monitor him at home. If you see lethargy, loss of appetite or an increase in thirst or urination, then have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles.

If he won't soak on his own, you can give him a soak once or twice a week. Use a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Soak for at least 30 minutes. It is normal for the to defecate during the soak, if this happens, change the water. Submit the stool sample to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites. Confirm proper temps in the enclosure as low temps can affect activity, appetite and digestion in reptiles.

The increased in urination and sort stool ay be due to an increase in fluid intake or eating succulent fruits and vegetables. The soft stool can also be due to intestinal parasites. Bladder stones are also possible and would cause straining to urinate which could in turn cause a prolapse of the penis. An exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles would be recommended. Bloodwork and xrays may provide a different. If indicated, your vet can provide supportive care (fluids, antibiotics, deworming, etc) if indicated. In the meantime, keep him warm. Consider increasing ambient temperature in his enclosure by several degrees. Soak him daily in a warm 50/50 solution of water and an unflavored electrolyte replacement fluid. Decrease the amount fruit being fed. Make sure he continues to eat though.

This is a tough question to answer without maybe some photos to reference what you are talking about? The spots can be from a bacteria or fungal infection, calcium in her diet, wounds from rubbing etc. maybe try to repost with some pictures and I can try to give more specific advice?

It is difficult to determine what they may be based on the images. You can submit a stool sample to your veterinarian. Monitor for lethargy, decreased appetite or loose droppings. These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.