it's stretching his skin and it's showing like a white bubble.
2006-09-19 11:25:56 · 4 answers · asked by ladyl_05 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
It may be an ear abscess, you really really need a vet to remove this. If you don't go to a vet it ill die. I will give you a link to a post from a member of a turtle forum I am a part of. He found a Box turtle with huge ear abscesses, he is qualified to remove them so he saved her life. But I must warn you it is graphic. Your's doesn't sound as bad as his was but you need a vet ASAP. If you do not have a herp vet you can try these links http://www.nytts.org/nytts/helpnet.htm
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vets_for_herps
Now here is the link for the fellow forum member that saved a box turtle with ear abscesses VERY GRAPHIC!! http://www.turtleexchange.com/forum/index.php?topic=378.0
Good luck! Hope I helped! Come visit our forum http://www.turtleexchange.com/forum/index.php
Disclaimer: I am not a vet and I have not seen pics of your turtles ear so it may not be an abscess but it def. needs to be seen by a vet!
2006-09-19 16:22:05 · answer #1 · answered by Julia F 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a cyst. You've got a few options.
1.) Try to minimize it at home. This is harder than it sounds. you'll need to read about the right care for a Red-ear slider (RES) and change whatever you may be doing wrong, then do it even better for a while.
For example, many people keep turtles in far too small of tanks at far too low of temps, in dirty water. You'll need to set up a habitat that is good for the turtle- the right size, temp, lighting, filtration, diet, etc. It can be a bit scary to find out what we are doing wrong with our pets, but it is important.
Once you are doing it right, boost the temps a bit (instead of 75-80, aim for 80-90), keep things super clean and super low stress, don't handle the turtle unless you have to, and offer it the best diet you can, along with good vitamins and supplements.
Try this for a few weeks. If the cyst gets worse, you'll have to try something else. If it shrinks, keep it up until it goes away.
2.) You can try to actively open the cyst yourself. This is NOT a recommended route unless you are comfortable doing minor surgery on living things. It would involve opening the cyst the right way, helping excavate the materials, using the right anti-biotic, and providing the right after-care. It is not really difficult, but it sure ain't fun.
3.) Try a good vet. Even if you use choice #1, keep this option if things get worse.
2006-09-20 10:36:46 · answer #2 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is It on the side of his head or farther down? It Could just be an ear infection. but either way it eeds to go to the vet to get it drained, it shouldnt be harmful but i bet hes not happy.
2006-09-19 11:34:06 · answer #3 · answered by d_asnightnday 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take him to the vet to get this checked out. It could be nothing but my nephew's turtle died from cancer.
2006-09-19 11:29:01 · answer #4 · answered by petlover 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋