Skeletal conditions in terrapins

Terrapins have a special skeleton. The bones have grown together to form a box around the body. Only the head, legs and tail are exposed. When the terrapin is being attacked or is frightened he draws his head, legs and tail into the shell giving him protection.

Millions of years ago, the terrapin had ribs, but over time the ribs became flatter and wider until they joined together to make the skeleton.

The skeleton is made up of bone, and on top of the bone are scutes. The bones and the scutes do not lie directly over each other which give the skeleton extra strength. The back bone or vertebrae are part of the shell. The carapace is the name for the top part of the shell and the plastron is the name for the underside of the shell. The male’s plastron is indented to allow it to mount a female whilst mating.

Pyramiding is a condition where the shell grows too quickly. Although this is not painful to the terrapin it is thought to be caused by too much protein in the diet or poor incubation before hatching. It is important to ensure you are feeding a good balanced.

It is quite common for congenital (birth) faults in terrapins. They can have small defects which do not cause a problem, or a more serious defect which can limit the growth of the terrapin and shorten its life.

If you see any problems with your terrapin whilst he is growing, then take him to your veterinarian for a check up.