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Hi. We have noticed Tanga's shell is getting VERY white. This has been occurring over the past month. Here are pictures from today. The top of her shell is hard, but the back edges are softish, they move almost like a loose tooth when we gently press on them. She is eating, swimming, etc. and otherwise appears healthy, but I am freaking out. I am going to try to get a vet appt. tomorrow. Does she look really sick???



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Thanks,
Kristin

Looks like she's way overdue for a shed. Has she shed her scutes before since you've had her? The back scutes may be moving because they are about to fall off - as part of a normal shed, that's a good thing. When you press gently on them, does any water squish out? Water will get under a scute that's about to shed and you can squish it out.

Though she may be getting ready to shed, her shell doesn't look like a normal shell getting ready to shed. Try rubbing on some of the white area with a q tip that has been soaked in vinegar. Does any of it come off? If so, it may be hard water deposits.

How much does she bask? What sort of light does she bask under (specifically what brand of bulbs, strength and how long has it been since it was last changed.) Does she get completely dry when she basks - top and bottom?

Does she have a cuttlebone in her tank for calcium?