Bites and scratches may lead to infected abscesses later on. Burns may heal, but the skin may, from then on, always be sensitive to bottom heat. Feces on skin and claws indicate an unsanitary environment and probably a weak and sick animal. Feces on the back of a reptile may indicate a very sick one who is too weak to get out from under stronger cagemates. Abscesses, cysts, and broken bones require veterinary care and treatment.
Deep recesses indicate a starved chelonian.
Soft shells indicate metabolic bone disease. If the enclosure is not too hot for the species, and it is not a lizard giving an open-mouth threat, it is a sign of a respiratory infection. Indicates probably metabolic bone disease. Indicates systemic infection and abscesses. Could indicate respiratory infection, hypothermia, or, in less frequent cases, vitamin A deficiency.