Reptile & Amphibian Forums

When she relaxes after what seems to be straining the mass is retracted and there is no external evidence is appeared.

I know that a minor prolapse naturally occurs whenever snakes void, the problem occurs when this tissue fails to retract. I would guess that the same is true for turtles. If the tissue is being retracted then I cannot see a problem.
What I cannot fathom is why a vet would give antibiotic shots for this... Talk about misuse/over use of antibiotics. I presume when you brought her in the tissue had been retracted, so why a need for four antibiotic shots? I can see the need if the tissue was still hanging out and was at risk of drying out and becoming infected.

Does this happen every time the turtle defecates? Does feces actually come out?

The causes for actual prolapses can be numerous and difficult to understand. In my experience, animals that have not received proper nutrition are the most common sufferers from a prolapse.

I once had a customer of the Veterinary office where I worked bring a turtle for us to check out. She said that the turtle's guts were falling out. It turned out to be a male that was simply extruding his penis periodically. This is normal, especially when they are placed in shallow water. They don't strain per se, but they usually extend their rear legs like stilts during.

Ditto to RMB. I'd get a second Vet. opinion. That is the standard m.o. when a Vet. doesn't know what they are doing...uh, let's give fluffy a few shots. For a prolapse, bloodwork should always be done to evaluate blood nutrition, especially blood calcium levels. Don't be afraid to ask prospective Vets. if they have received specific reptile medical training.

If you can, get your hands on the November issue of "Reptiles" magazine. Although not a medical/scientific journal, there is an article about prolapses written by Doug Mader. I haven't read it yet, but it may help you out.

Hope this helps. Good luck.