Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm headed on vacation, so a fast reply would REALLY be appreciated!!!

I have five box turtles that I keep outside year round in a enclosure.I live in PA so they hibernate over the winter.
The one that I have had the longest (about 8 years) is a male eastern, with my modest knowledge thinking he is an older adult.

In a matter of about three days, he has developed a rather large lump. It's beside his eye on his neck on the left side. It's about a half an inch away from his eye and soft to touch--I only touched it lightly once.

It does not appear to be effecting his vision whatsover. He does seem slightly sluggish, but it's been quite warm and humid here.

As I said, i'm by no means an expert. I was hoping that perhaps he was stung by a bee, but it has now been there for three days, as I said, maybe six total if you consider the time it developed. Any help would really be appreciated, he's my favorite one!!!
Kevin

Is it where his ear is? If so, it could be an
ear infection.
http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/Terrapene_Ear_Infection.htm

Another concern would be "fly strike" or infestation
with bot fly larvae...

http://www.animalhospitals-usa.com/reptiles/b_turtle_diseases_parasitic.html

And sometimes they just form sebaceous cysts on their
head and neck. Those are harmless.

Probably best thing you can do if you have time, is to
take your turtle to a reptile vet and see what it is.

Keep us posted!

I missed the sluggish part the first time I read your
post, if he doesn't seem right, I would definately try
to get him to a vet. Its hard to tell without seeing him.

An ear infection could possibly wait if he seems ok, less certain about fly strike. But if he was bitten by something...
thats not something I've heard of, but I wouldn't want to
take any chances.

I would bet on the middle ear infection. We just spent the morning with one eastern and one ornate at the vet.Both with the middle ear infection. Here it is so hot and dry it doesn't help. That problem. Hopefully you can drop it at the vet enjoy your vacation and come back to a healthy happy turtle.

Cannot find a local vet that takes reptiles..I'm not leaving now until Monday. Any ideas of what I can for him on Sunday before I leave? What does a vet do for an ear infection? Thanks again

Go to this site and in the middle of the page you can click on your state and find one. We drive one hour to our vet and pass 10 on the way, but its worth it for the turtle.

http://www.herpvetconnection.com/

The link I posted earlier shows exactly what a vet does for an ear infection.

http://www.chelonia.org/Articles/Terrapene_Ear_Infection.htm

A vet might also prescribe anti-biotics.
Ear infections in turtle

Where in PA are you, and where are you headed on vacation? The reason I ask is that you may be passing through an area where there is a qualified vet, and you may be able to drop it off and pick it up on the return trip.
Just a thought.