Urgent Care :: HELP!! RES Ear Abscess but no vet to help

[allblacks]

I have 2 RES that I've had for 6 months, both about 2.5 inches in shell length. One of them has an ear abscess on its right cheek and I understand that the only treatment is to take him to a vet to have it opened up, drained, and then cleaned with antibiotics.

Here is the problem:

I live in a rather isolated area and there is only one vet nearby who has advised me that he doesn't deal with turtles and cannot help me. This gives me two options

1: Try and do the procedure myself or,
2: Wait for it to slowly die (no an option I want)

Can someone please help me as what to do? Is there a vet on here who can perhaps talk me through the procedure?

Thank you all very much for your time,

Kind regards

[Linus]

There are no vets on this sight but there are a few on turtleforum.com...post under urgent care.

PS: Steve, not trying to ad another site, just trying to help.

[SSMcLeod]

Here is the best I can do:

When I was much younger, I lived on a farm in the middle of Northern Alberta. The one time my turtle got sick, I found the basic explanation on how to do that and took it to the Vet in the nearest town. Because I had the list that included anti-biotics and methods, the vet attempted it and it paid off. HOWEVER, the vet was a friend of my fathers; so in no way should you expect this. You could try talking to your doctor and seeing if you found the method with the anti-biotics and steps required would they attempt it.

[allblacks]

Thanks for the quick replies! I have just spotted the abscess today, I didn't seem to notice it yesterday. Should I separate it from my other RES?

Just for some added info, I live on a small isolated Island. There is a vet but he deals with cats and dogs and has told me he isn't going to touch my turtle as he doesn't have a clue, nor will he get involved in any way. I can get antibiotics, solutions etc from my local chemist and If this turtle is going to live I will have to do this myself. Transporting him to another location is not an option due to quarantine regulations etc. From previous topics, it seems some people have done this themselves. If Anyone can provide a step by step guide with pics if available, I would appreciate it greatly. I don't want this little fellow to die a slow painful death.

[Linus]

You need to seperate them, it is highly contagous. After you clean it, which I can't help you with, it's going to need to be dry docked.

[steve]

@ sfmmfreak -no prob, it's always good to search all available sources.

If you are certain there is no herp vet, then I would look for local turtle keepers, enthusiasts, zoos, recuses or rehabbers for any assistance. It's possible they have performed it themselves. Antibiotics would depend on the vet, I would only use what is prescribed from a herp vet who is familiar with your turtle, not just on the suggestion from a chemist.

I do not know if abscesses are contagious to other turtles, but it is a good idea to separate. It's more likely that the habitat was dirty, but no one seems sure what causes them. It is a painful condition, but your turtle might not die from it. However, it can become infected or not heal properly without the appropriate care.

I do recall someone posting several pics of their turtle's abscess being removed by a vet on turtle forum, but it wasn't a "how to" guide.

[Linus]

^ That was me....if you'd like...

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=23472

Let me look if I have any post vet pictures.

[allblacks]

Thanks for the advise, I have separated them and crossing my fingers for further help! As stated, I live on an isolated Island. We have no zoo, no animal rehab, and I am pretty sure I am the only one with these turtles.

Thanks guys!

[Linus]

What island do you live on?

[Jaysea]

im gonna guess he's in australia, based on his screen name and the fact that he says no one else has one. RES are illegal in Australia, which would make sense as to why he can't take it to a vet. Just guessing tho. Good luck with your baby

[allblacks]

More or less Jaysea, but not on Australia per say, more a sub territory... Anyway, I am going to attempt the surgery on Saturday based on this http://www.indianaturtlecare.com/Ear%20 ... tment.html I have no other option at this stage and I don't want him to die...

If anyone has more advise, please pass it on!

Thanks

[richieboy]

Oh boy, good luck. Research as much as you can. Let us know what happens.

[allblacks]

I have received lots of advise on how to perform the surgery, and tried to attempt it tonight. However, couldn't quite get a hold of his head without him retreating back in his shell. I had another person assisting me but we just couldn't get his head out far enough. Any suggestions? He is only got a 2.5 inch shell length so has a small head. After getting advise from a few people who have experience in removing ear abscesses, I am confident I can do it.

Thanks

[Linus]

I slightly remember the vet using a popsicle stick...or whatever they're called in the medical world (lol) to get hmy girls head out, but wait for someone to confirm this. I don't want you to hurt the turtle if i'm wrong.

[allblacks]

Hi everyone,

Just want to say thanks for those who helped with the process. It wasn't too hard to be honest, and the turtle is fine now (a month after the operation) with the abscess completely gone. the hardest part was to stop the turtle putting his head into his shell during operation. Apart from that, pretty straight forward.

Cheers