Urgent Care :: Bulge on baby turtle's face

[mystic_2k12]

Hi everyone...

Today evening I saw a bulge on my baby RES turtle's face... what it could be? An injury or some disease. He was completely fine in morning...I have posted the pics below. Sorry for the poor image quality. Otherwise he is completely fine. Normally eating, basking, active etc... Please help.. I am very worried...

[steve]

It's an ear abscess... fairly common. Not sure the exact cause, though some people think it's poor water conditions.

Anyway, a vet visit is in order. Lance and extract, possibly some antibiotics.

[mystic_2k12]

Thanks Steve for reply....

Took my turtle to vet today... he said due to hot climate n type of environment that exist in my country operating the abscess should be last resort. He hv precribed antibiotic and probiotic for 4 days. And said 3-4 days of treatment we will decide whether to operate it or not. If turtle reponds to treatment then no operating him


I would like to know your n others thoughts on this... thanks....

[steve]

I don't see why it would be an issue, though please make sure you're seeing a herpetological vet.

[mystic_2k12]

Ok... one more thing I wld like to ask. The vet said that there is starting of a abscess on other side as well though its is not visible atleast not to me. If there is a second abscess, what is the approach...both lanced together or one at a time with certain time gap. Thanks

[steve]

Abscess can show up on both sides, though waiting depends on how long you are willing. From the picture, I would lance the one you see now as it is sensitive to your turtle.

[mystic_2k12]

Thanks a lott Steve. Got the abscess operated yesterday night and have dry docked my turtle. Keeping my fingers crossed n hoping he recovers soon. Will post my experience later once my turtle recovers so others from my country can benefit from it... . Anything else you think I should keep in my mind during my turtle's recovery period? Thanks for all the help....

[steve]

Not really, it should heal quickly so keep a very close eye on it and often. Make sure the water is as clean as well.