My 2ft male sav had an abscess in the center of his back, directly between its shoulders. I didn't notice it this morning but this evening when I got home it was very noticeable. When I applied a little pressure it popped right out. I kept gently squeezing & massaging the area till the fluid turned to pure blood, hopefully removing all infectious-type fluids.

Is there any over-the-counter med or salve I can apply to the area? I've got a friend that's a vet but not experienced with reptiles. They've told me before that if I can find out the name of any meds I need that's not considered mission-critical (administering concerns that could cause severe injury or death) she might be able to research it & administer it, if they feel comfortable in doing so. They're no fly-by-night vet, either.

I know some don't like giving names of meds and I can respect that and agree with it in most cases, I'm hoping this doesn't fall within that category. I don't, maybe it does, maybe it doesn't. Enlighten me. If it does, please forgive me for asking.


For the first time I'm scratching my head as a monitor keeper, trying to figure out what caused this abscess. I've been relentless about keeping his water bowl clean, cage clean, conditions, etc...

A couple of things come to mind.
1) Several weeks ago I had to make two trips to FL. The first trip left the water bowl (Which is big enough for him to soak in but he doesn't soak very often.) unchanged for about 1 1/2 weeks. I was home for a week and gone again for another week. Water bowl was changed while I was home but my wife & kids didn't change it while I was gone. I use a dirt mix substrate and when he gets into his water it gets muddy.

I don't know how long it takes for abscesses to form but that window of opportunity was open aprox. 3 weeks ago.

2) The only other thing I can think of is where the abscess was is where his back first scrapes a big piece of ceramic tile as he goes under it, into his hiding hole. Having a dirt mix substrate I wonder if dirt didn't get into an open wound and cause the abscess.

Anyone got any ideas or pretty well knows what happened and/or what I can do to help speed up healing?

Thanks for taking the time to read.

Take care!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American

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