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My tortoise's shell is rough and cracked. What's the white pee?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Tortoise

I have a tortoise. I have had him since 2018. I have not had any luck finding a veterinarian that sees reptiles. My tortoise s she'll is really rough and looks like there are some sort of cracks forming. Are these growing cracks? Also when he pees there is a whitish substance at the end?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on January 13th, 2019

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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