Below are examples of pyramiding from an
improper diet.
Pyramiding is irregular
growth, often characterized by a shell (carapace and plastron)
which is lumpy, and sometimes grows in
irregular, unnatural directions.
Unfortunately, not only the "outside" of
the tortoise is affected. Tortoises which suffer from
pyramiding may also have other health
problems. Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD),
bladder stones, weak bone structure, and
renal problems are all too common in
tortoises which have suffered from the
long term effects of a bad diet.
"Pyramiding" got it's name because of the
almost triangular shaped upward growth
to the turtle's shell, as it often resembles
Egyptian pyramids.
Pyramiding can be caused by any or
all of the following:
A) A diet which contains
animal proteins (many tortoises are vegetarian animals, and eat NO meat
whatsoever.)
B) A diet which contains
a high percentage of vegetable proteins, even for vegetarian tortoises.
C) Not enough calcium
in the diet. Calcium is very important for proper growth!
D) Little or no exposure
to natural sunlight. Tortoises kept indoors are much more prone.
E) Inadequate intake
of Vitamin D3 in the diet and/or too much Phosphorus.
F) Intake of grocery
produce which contains too much moisture, has little vitamin content and
not nearly enough fiber.
The "pyramiding you see in
these photos cannot be healed or repaired.
If caught very early, the
effects of pyramiding can be kept from progressing by offering a correct
and balanced diet.
Tortoises and turtles have
very specific dietary needs. Giving a juvenile tortoise the proper
dietary start can help to ensure that it will live a much healthier and
happier life.
This tortoise has been fed
a terrible diet throughout it's life, and was eventually turned into a
tortoise rescue center.
The pyramiding and deformities
caused by improper diet as well as improper captive conditions. resulted
in severe disfigurement.
This is another view
of the same tortoise. This poor fella (Geochelone sulcata) now requires
hand feeding and specialized care for the rest of it's life.
It's plastron (bottom shell)
is also so grossly disfigured and upturned, that it is unable reach to
the ground with it's head to graze normally.
It also has poor bone density
and muscle tone, as can be seen in it's front legs.
With all we know about tortoises
and turtles today, there is simply no excuse for this. It isn't at
all difficult or expensive to keep a tortoise on a good, healthy diet.
Those caring for chelonia
need to stop giving in to our "human" urges to feed them unnecessary food
items which are not only unhealthy, but are potentially harmful.
Yet another Geochelone sulcata
with both pyramiding and Metabolic Bone Disease.
Notice that in addition
to the pyramided appearance, the center scutes of the carapace "dent" inward
toward it's spine.
This is a direct result
of too little calcium, too much Phosphorus, lack of natural sunlight and/or
Vitamin D3 in the diet.
Two male T. ibera which were
fed an improper diet, and housed in less than adequate conditions for many,
many years.
The photo to the right is
the same tortoises, as viewed from the rear.
Despite intense veterinary
management and supervision by the person who adopted these tortoises, the
tortoise
on the right eventually
died. Although pyramiding and related health problems can be slowed
or halted from
further progression, once
the damage is done, it's not reversible. Most animals who do not
survive the
complications of pyramiding
die
from renal failure, systemic infection, and/or respiratory/cardiac problems.
Some tortoise species, such
as Indian and Sri-Lankan Stars (Geochelone sp.), South African Tents and
Geometrics (Psammobates
sp.), Pyxis, etc. are naturally "pyramided." This is a feature
genetically unique to these
species, and is not a result of insufficient dietary or captive
conditions,
although the same dietary
guidelines are very important and do need to be followed.
