turtle may be sick?

Question

I have a turtle and about 3 weeks ago he got a bump on his face on his cheek area to be exact. The bump is pink and it's pretty big, I'm a little hesitant to take him to a vet because I have no money and last time I took him it cost me about 100 bucks. I just need to know if this is serious or if there is something I can do to help my turtle. Thank you

Answer 1

I agree, it does sound like it may be an abscess. And you need to take him to a Herp Vet ASAP, they are very painful. Here are some links, maybe you can find a new Herp Vet in your area that can work with your money situation, give em a call and explain your situation, most vets have a good heart and may give you a break and work with you. He will die if the abscesses are not removed. Look at this picture and you can get an idea of what you are in for and how painful it must be to your poor turt, but don't look if you have a weak stomach it's very graphic, and needs to be done by a herp vet;

http://www.turtleexchange.com/forum/index.php?topic=378.0

Answer 2

This is probably an ear abscess. Ear abcesses are somewhat common, and are sometimes caused by basic care problems (usually water quality).

I would suggest double checking your care and feeding program, then taking special care of the turtle for about 2 weeks. If the abcess shrinks, great. If it gets bigger or if the turtle starts acting more ill, then see a vet.

You don't say the species, but I'd bet it is a Red-ear slider. Here is a quick care checklist for that and related species (like Painted turtles):
- Housing. Turtles need BIG spaces that are properly ehated adn filtered. Aim for about 10 gallons of swimming space per inch of turtle. (A lot of us use plastic tubs or kiddie pools to get enough space). Heat the water to about 75-80 in the warm side. Aggressively filter it to minimize 'turtle tank smell'.

- Water. For most of us, regular tap water is perfectly OK for a turtle. If your water is unusually hard, metallic or has an odor or taste, you may wish to use whatever cheap bottled water you can find.

- Lighting. This is tough. You need to offer lighting that is like the sun- including some Ultra-Violet-B rays. If the package says it offers UV, it may or may not offer UV-B. Sadly, UV-B does NOT penetrate most glass or plastic.

- Basking. Offer a few different basking options, and warm some up to 90 degrees.

- Diet. Offer a high-quality turtle pellet (cheap food equals cheap and less nutritious ingredients) supplemented with live 'fish food' like small fish, worms, etc.

"HOSPITAL CARE"
For your sick turtle, we are going to change a few things:
- Boost temps about 5 degrees all around
- Minimize stress- noise, vibration, handling, being stared at, etc.
- Keep everything as clean as humanly possible
- Offer a little more food than usual, and keep it all top quality.
- Remove uneaten food before it goes bad.

Answer 3

You must take your turtle to the vet if you want it to live. From your description it sounds like he has an abcess, which is an infection. The vet will drain it and treat with antibiotics, and your turtle should be right as rain in no time. Without treatment, however, the infection will spread and eventually kill your turtle. Do what's right, take him to the vet and sacrafice elsewhere to make up for the cost.

Answer 4

Poor turtle. hope he gets better, man. you should take him to a vet.