Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just looked my box turtle over and noticed a lump on the underneath side of its tail? I'm not sure what it is. Any idea's? Sorry for the odd question but I've never seen that lump/bump there before.

Not an odd question, since observation and curiosity are both good.
Could you be referring to the turtle's anus? It is located partway down the tail, on the underside, and on a male is located a little farther from the body than on a female. Definately a necessary feature of their anatomy.
Hope that helps
Stephanie

If you're not talking about the cloaca (anal opening) bumps can sometimes be abcesses. If that, the turt needs to see a knowledgable turtle vet soon.
GCTTS

>>I just looked my box turtle over and noticed a lump on the underneath side of its tail? I'm not sure what it is. Any idea's? Sorry for the odd question but I've never seen that lump/bump there before.

I'm assuming you are not refering to the cloaca, which can be mounded in box turtles, but something else. The bump could be cause by an insect bite, a cyst, an actual fly larva or a swollen injured area. Look at the lump with a magnifying glass and if like anything but an insect bite, take it to a vet. It should be checked, especially this time of the year when a turtle's resistance to illnesses is lower anyway.
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Tess
Kingsnake.com Forum Host

It could also possibly be hemmeroids from the box turtle eating a certain fruit or vegetable that it had a hard time passing. Try some warm water with epsom salt and a bit of preparation h and neosporin.

WARNING : You will have one pissed off box turtle when you use the preparation h since it sort of burns. :X