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There's a pretty bad mark on my Turtles neck. HELP!!!

Posted:
Fri Sep 14, 2012 10:05 pm
by LexceeB
I went to clean my turtles tank after feeding them and noticed that one of them has a pretty ugly open wound on the top of it's neck. What should I do? Is this an emergency? I just need some help please. Thank You

Re: There's a pretty bad mark on my Turtles neck. HELP!!!

Posted:
Fri Sep 14, 2012 11:05 pm
by steve
In that location it's a possible bite mark or an injury from the nuchal scute. Is one or both your turtles a male? Separation is usually the first step. Dry docking, some diluted betadine and neosporin is usually enough for minor injuries.
Re: There's a pretty bad mark on my Turtles neck. HELP!!!

Posted:
Fri Sep 14, 2012 11:17 pm
by LexceeB
Yes I believe I have a male and a female in the same tank. I've had them since they were tiny. I got them in 2007. So they're a lot bigger now. I'm going to go take a picture of the actual turtle and the mark just to be sure.
Re: There's a pretty bad mark on my Turtles neck. HELP!!!

Posted:
Fri Sep 14, 2012 11:43 pm
by LexceeB
This is my turtle
Re: There's a pretty bad mark on my Turtles neck. HELP!!!

Posted:
Sat Sep 15, 2012 2:03 am
by penelope
Ouch!
How long has that mark been there?
Am I safe in saying it is a fairly deep open wound?
If it has been there a little while, my first thought is to recommend a vet visit because bacteria in the tank can cause a serious infection.
Otherwise, the antibiotics that Steve mentioned are a good start. Since it looks a little "water logged" it may be a good idea to dry-dock him or her as well to help the wound dry up and heal.
Re: There's a pretty bad mark on my Turtles neck. HELP!!!

Posted:
Sat Sep 15, 2012 9:03 am
by LexceeB
Thanks! Now, I also have another turtle in this tank. Do you two think it's best for me to separate them? The other one has been hissing and jumpy a lot lately.
Re: There's a pretty bad mark on my Turtles neck. HELP!!!

Posted:
Sat Sep 15, 2012 3:43 pm
by steve
Please separate. Males almost always become aggressive towards other turtles.