Urgent Care :: Cut on Neck

[n3hihz]

I found one of my RES with a big cut on the back of the neck. Would this heal or should I take her to the vet?

[Jeremiah]

The picture doesn't appear for me, but I nevertheless recommend some dry-docking and applying a little bit of neosporin. Is there anything else in the tank that could have caused the cut?

[n3hihz]

I have 2 turtles in the tank, they're probably starting to fight. Might be a dumb question but how does one go about putting Neosporin on the wound without their head going into the shell?

[Jeremiah]

You might want to separate them. Your Neosporin question isn't dumb at all; I'm actually the dumb one here for forgetting about the RES withdrawing its head, in the first place! That being said, I don't have a definite answer since I've never had to do it before. Two ideas come to mind, though. First, you could gently squish a rag on either side of the head (i.e., each shoulder area). That makes it harder for the turtle to suck its head in. If that doesn't work, then you could try having a friend or family member irritate it. When the turtle extends its neck to bite your helper, try to dab some on.

[steve]

I'd take cotton ball, and dab some diluted Betadine and water over it. Let her dry dock as much you can and you can apply Neosporin directly on it. Let your turtle walk around somewhere clean and safe. Follow her, and when she stops, she might let you apply some.

If you're not having luck, just do a few soaks in very clean water and dry dock. A small wound should not need medication.

The most important thing is to keep them separate. They're not fighting, she's being attacked. It does not subside, even if it appears so.

[n3hihz]

Thanks, I think I'll try to put some Neosporin on it since it looks pretty bad opening. It does look like it starting to become less red.

I was observing them last night and every time she entered the water the other would attack her almost immediately so I separated them, only problem is that the only spare tank I had ready to go was a 20L tank so that needs to be remedied. Think they're having a $1 per Gallon sale at petco right now. Might just get 2 and link them with PVC.

She has been staying on the basking platform more by herself. I'll do more observing and see what happens.

Best,
Zhi

[Jeremiah]

It would probably be easier to get a stock tank instead of 2 aquariums for the One RES you will be removing. The minimum you would have to buy for your "link with PVC" plan is two 55G tanks, and even then you'll have to filter both of them. (Assuming that I'm reading correctly that you are planning to get 2 tanks for that one turtle. If you meant to say that you're buying 1 tank for Each turtle, then you still shouldn't have to link them).

[steve]

I had to separate my male from the female. It went from courtship to outright attacks. After months of no eye contact (they are in separate tanks), he'll zip right to her if he sees her. Even on land and outside, he will attack her... he even bites her shell. Separating is a major pain because the work doubles and usually the cost too.

[n3hihz]

My idea of linking is from my other aquarium hobbies. By drilling a hole in both tanks and connecting them with PVC and making the two source of water one and using 1 filtration. like in this picture

Probably have to increase the water flow in the tank in order to keep it clean. I'll have to think this over and plan it out.

[Jeremiah]

Keep us updated on your plans! Just keep in mind that having only 1 filter for 2 tanks increases the probability of contamination between them. If one turtle gets sick, the other is automatically in "bad water".