Tortoises leg

Question
I have a baby tortoise his back foot looks as though he is missing a claw and it looks white and lumpy. He sometimes bites it but is still eating and looks quite happy. He is my first tortoise and I'm a bit worried. Does anyone have any idea what may be wrong with it and how i may treat him?

Answer
Hi Margot,

It's good that your tortoise is still eating and doing well, but what you're describing in his foot is definitely not normal.  I haven't seen anything similar, but it sounds like there may be an abscess in the foot.  I think you should take him in to a good herp vet as soon as you can to have it looked at and treated.  Good luck and let me know what the vet says.