Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello... I have a small RES who seems to have developed some sort of bulge in the sides of her neck. I think I've seen turtles with this before her neck has always been straight and smooth (like in most RES photographs). I have no idea what could be causing this, though her tank is definately too cold. The boiler in my apartment stopped working and it hasn't been fixed yet, though she seems pretty happy basking under a warm UVB lamp on a rock. Has anyone seen this before? I know very little about these turtles. In fact, the bulge seems to have gone down today from what it looked like yesterday.
Thanks very much,
RL

Is it her neck, or the sides of her head? RES commonly get ear abcesses which need to be lanced by a vet. It will not go away on its own.
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I'm not sure... it could be the side of the head. Her head looks a bit 'diamond' shaped because of the way it bulges out on the side. It's at it's peak a little bit under the back part of the red stripe...
rl

Sounds like an ear abscess. You must take him to a vet to get it cleaned out. It is not likely to just go away by itself. Rather it will only get worse if you don't get him medical attention.

How do I find a good vet to do this? I live in downtown New York City. Appreciate all the help
rl

You're lucky you have the best place in the world for your turtle. The Animal Medical Center. This particular doctor is a list of herp vets that I have but I am sure there are others there who can help too.

Carol Canny, DVM, DipABVP, Animal Medical Center, 510 E. 62nd St., New York 212-838-8100

I have used AMC for my birds and ferrets when I lived in NYC. It's an unbelievable place.

Steve