I found a box turtle in the road so I stopped and went running to get him. He's a cool little guy and is very friendly (he likes to be pet on his head and his neck).
Unfortunately he has a major health concern/injury that I'm attending to, but nonetheless, I went out and got all the gear to take him in and take care of him.
If anyone has any knowledge about box turtles, or knows of an exotic vet that I can send pictures or I can speak to for advice about the care of his injury and how to treat it, I could use the help and would be very appreciative. Thanks!
I know a good bit about regular care for box turtles, but not his injury..
Here is a picture of the injury..
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/3179/sammieinjuryhb3.jpg
It appears that it's pretty swollen. There is some scabs and abrasions as well. I have been keeping it clean with a solution vets use to clean the animals.
2007-07-11 19:59:12 · 7 answers · asked by dmancari18 1 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
The picture may be viewed by some as graphic, but I really want to help the turtle. Thanks.
2007-07-11 20:18:27 · update #1
It is a protrusion and not an actual tail injury. Unfortunately I don't have the resources for this little guy to be operated on (financially). I am taking steps to keep it cleaned and will continue to do so, but it is definitely a protrusion with some abrasions, maybe from it rubbing against harsh surfaces?? I'm not sore, but when cleaning it, some of the scabbing came off...
2007-07-12 14:48:50 · update #2
Can you verify through the eye colour and plastron shape that this is a male because that tissue looks like a prolapsed penis. My male box turtle everts his every morning in the water dish and that is the same somewhat flat disc shape.
If there has not any tissue necrosis then ideally the goal is to have it retract. You are on the right track with keeping it clean and, very importantly, it must remain moist as well, whether it is the penis or part of the cloacal tissue. You will need a vet to determine whether there has been tissue death, that will determine whether it can safely retract or it may have to be debrided of the dead tissue first or possibly amputated. (all of the male readers just cringed)
If you are using chlorhexidene or similar I would switch to an antibiotic ointment which would also keep the tissue moist. If those are indeed scabs and not dead tissue it may retract once they are healed. Good luck.
2007-07-11 23:03:19 · answer #1 · answered by Thea 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The picture is a little deceiving -- is that the tail missing, or is it a protrusion from the cloaca? If it is the tail, good first aid -- cleaning, topical antibiotics, etc will do just fine. Watch for further tissue loss of the tail -- that could me a spreading, systemic infection. If that is a prolapsed cloaca, then he should see a good exotics vet -- it may need surgery.
2007-07-12 20:10:20 · answer #2 · answered by Dr. Darrin Lewellen 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This link has a listing of turtle vets by state: http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Info/state_resources.htm
You might be able to find one near you where you can email the photo after a call to their office, but they may want you to come in - most medications are given to turtles based on weight, and they will probably want to weigh him/her on a scale that measures in grams.
You also might want to try a higher resolution photo if you can adjust the settings on your camera.
2007-07-12 04:58:02 · answer #3 · answered by copperhead 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It could be an everted penis which can be common in box turtles or it could be a hernia of the proctodeum.
2007-07-18 08:56:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
your best bet is get antibiotics for him and see a shelter that saves these guys, give him to them and theyy take care of him, since u cant put the money in. maybe they will take care of him and u can take him back. never know
2007-07-19 15:58:32 · answer #5 · answered by nick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can get a container and fill it with water just so his head can poke out and go o the nearest pet store and get a whit cube that disolves in water it is called doctor turtle
2007-07-17 18:54:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
WARNING TO ANYONE WHO HAS A PROBLEM WITH VIEWING DONT OPEN THIS PIC...IT BOTHERED ME
I would say if you love any creature..he looks bad...take him to a rep vet...either for meds...or to be put down...I feel bad for the little guy...He needs medical attention
GOD LOVE YOU for trying to save him/her
2007-07-12 03:03:59 · answer #7 · answered by AnimalManiac 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋