BABY Turtle help!!?

Question

i think my little baby eastern turtles nail is coming off =/ at first i started to notice a white pus-like ball on the toe of tiny (my turtle). so im thinking its an infection?? my fiance suggested taht its probably just something stuck and to gently clean it off. so i tried it and it seems like his skin!!! like a little ball of his flesh!!! so i just left it alone.. what can i do ??? i cant afford to take him to the vet.... =/ now im starting to think my other little turtle might have bit him .... ? HELLPPP


i have 2 baby eastern painted turtles in the same tank .. but one is more active and swimming while my "sick"one hasnt eaten in a week and is always sleeping....

Answer 1

This could be new growth & dead skin . Just keep an eye on it

This will take quite some time to heal (months). Make sure the environment is kept clean and I would take the turtle out for a couple of hours a day until healing has completed! Feed the turtle a very healthy diet to get this healed up.

Answer 2

1st pus wouldnt be in ball, it's more liquidy. and usually not plain white it's more yellowish. You may actually be seeing his bone depending on how vigorous his claw had been ripped or bitten off. If his claw is hanging it would be best to somehow gently snip that off, if you have to clip some skin. Dont worry your turtle will be fine even if the claw doesnt come back. You can also go to a pet store like petsmart- ask for something that is an reptile antibiotic that you can use as precautionary measure incase he has an infection. Also Betadine which you can find at any drugstore is safe to use turtles. Its like a first aid type thing for wounds. This would great and help ease pain after you clip the nail.
Make sure the hurt turtle has a place where he can get warmer. Hes definatly under some kinda of stress since he isnt eating so hell be having trouble regulating body temp.
Try to get the little turtle to eat. Hopefully keeping him extra warm and easing the pain of his claw will get his appetite back.

I know its expensive but sometimes pets just need to see the vet. Maybe in a couple of days if isnt better go to a herp vet and see if they will let you make small monthly payments. You might could also take him to a wildlife rehab center for advice on treating him.

Good Luck! Hope the little guy feels much better soon.

Answer 3

Actually, pus in reptiles is hard like cheese--not soft and runny like in mammals. Check out husbandry (care) conditions--infections are almost always from a deficiency in some area. Water absolutely clean, water heater, water filtration, basking bulb at correct temp, UVB lighting, variety of diet items, no loose substrate in bottom of tank. Turtles are rather expensive creatures to care for. Taking them to the vet when needed is part of owning them. Check the health section at this site for more care info:

http://www.austinsturtlepage.com/Care/caresheet-red_ear_slider.htm