Russian Tortoise Rescue

Question
Hello. I have a Russian Tortoise named Sammy. I got him from a rescue, which had found him being attacked by a dog. His shell has healed, but there are still very bad markings on it. I've had him for about 4-5 years.
Recently I noticed that the scars have turned kind of white, and some of them are more of a purple color. I don't know if maybe since he's just come out of hibernation that I'm noticing this, but I just want to make sure it's not an infection or mold.
Also, after he came out of hibernation, he skin was very baggy. If you pinch it lightly, it will stay in that shape for quite a while. Is he dehydrated? I've been adding some iceberg lettuce to his diet to add water. It seems to have helped. I just want to know if I'm handling it right, or if I should see a vet. I'd do anything for my herps, so if it comes down to a vet I will take him.

Answer
Hi Cristan,

If you can post again and make the post *private*, I'll give you my email and you can send me some pictures of the shell.  The white marks sound like normal scarring, but I'm not sure about the purple, so I'd like to see what it looks like.

It sounds like he's very dehydrated.  You need to soak him daily for 15-20 in warm water for about the next week to get him rehydrated.  Don't give him iceberg lettuce--it has no nutritional value and he'll fill up on that instead of eating good foods.  It's also pretty addictive and if he gets stuck on it you'll have a real problem.  Can you tell me how you keep him--enclosure type and size, substrate, temperatures, humidity level, types of bulbs, and complete diet?  There may be some things you can change to get him in better shape.  I don't think he needs a vet right now, as long as he's eating and reasonably active, but you may be keeping him too dry.  Dehydration is a real issue with Russian tortoises, so if you can post back I'll do what I can to help you with that.