14/07/2025
Pyramiding in Tortoises
The truth about pyramiding.
(A simple Google search will provide the articles and research done. We Google everything, so why not just Google it before believing everything we read?)
Whenever an animal’s suffering is involved, it’s easy to invoke strong emotional reactions and public support (often the sole aim of misleading statements).
The truth is that pyramiding in tortoises has stumped researchers for decades. This condition is also seen in wild tortoises, but it is far more prevalent in captive individuals. Some of the causes, as shown by research, include:
1. Dietary protein problems
2. Dietary fat problems
3. Overfeeding
4. Imbalance of calcium and phosphorus (nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism, also known as the dreaded metabolic bone disease)
5. Lack of exercise
6. Genetics
7. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, inadequate water intake, lack of ultraviolet light, and lighting that is not bright enough
So, pyramiding does not mean the tortoise is suffering from metabolic bone disease. Did you know that a high percentage of tortoises without pyramiding still do have metabolic bone disease?
This means tortoises showing signs of pyramiding should never be condemned to death. Before deciding to end the life of an animal, we are ethically obliged to at least see the animal or have meaningful information about it.
No one should state as fact that an animal is in severe pain, cannot be helped, and must die, especially without knowing anything about the individual.
That is a dangerous stance to take.
Should vets who read such misinformation accept it as truth and euthanase tortoises presented to them?
Should people who truly care for animals believe that these animals are in excruciating pain?
This is the risk of spreading inaccurate claims by those who are clearly misinformed or have ulterior motives for their misleading posts.
• Not all tortoises with pyramiding have metabolic bone disease.
• Not all tortoises with pyramiding have decreased lung volumes.
• Not all tortoises with pyramiding live in chronic excruciating pain.
• Not all tortoises with pyramiding have bone deformities.
• Not all tortoises with pyramiding suffer.
• Not all tortoises with pyramiding have to die.
I shudder to think of how many tortoises have been wrongly euthanased because of opinion rather than fact and science.
I have 25 years’ experience dealing with tortoises, and pyramiding is commonly presented to me. In every single case, basic diagnostics are done. Always.
Surrendered tortoises are treated with the same thoroughness as those with owners. Diagnostics are performed (even at my personal expense if needed).
The purpose is to evaluate the animal’s actual condition, assess general health, and identify any abnormalities that will guide decisions on treatment.
Yes, I have had to euthanase tortoises with severe, untreatable conditions, but thankfully, this is rare.
Most live happily for years with only mild intervention.
Even cases of metabolic bone disease should not automatically be euthanased. Each animal should be properly assessed, and decisions made on a case by case basis.
Let me touch on one more important aspect of this condition:
If shell growth starts to impede general movement and there are no signs of concurrent disease, it is cruel, unethical, and immoral to put that tortoise to death.
Adjusting the shell is no small task. Anaesthesia in reptiles is challenging. Even after 25 years, I treat anaesthetic drugs with great respect.
During these procedures, there may be bleeding that must be controlled. It is a sterile procedure done in theatre, with the animal intubated in case breathing stops.
Apnoea can occur in reptiles, though in my experience, it is very easily managed (when anaesthesia is done carefully.)
If you ever see a picture of such a procedure, consider this:
Was there any blood? If not, maybe something else was happening (and if you’re not sure, ask).
Pain and the risk of infection must be carefully managed, but with correct treatment, these tortoises are back up, walking better, feeling better, and eating better within a week.
We are privileged to work with highly experienced, dedicated people who are legally permitted to work with these animals and assist in their care. Tortoises undergo testing and assessments over time, and the process may be divided into two or three stages depending on the individual case, overall health, and extent of the condition.
Indigenous animals cannot be “rehomed” (and anyone who works with wildlife knows this). Rehabilitation takes place after the procedures.
I will continue to treat these cases exactly as I have, and I will continue to stay up to date with the latest studies and research so I can do what’s best for the animals. Always.
We can’t save them all, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.
