Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I would like a second opionion. I know this ornate is at least 10 years old. I have had her for 4 of those years and keep her outdoors year around. I am in Southern Colorado. She roams in a fairly large area with planting of turtle grass mix, various types of lettuce and native wild flowers. I also supplement with giant mealworms and crickets as well as giving her a good liquid reptile vitamin. She is active, alert, bright colored and eating well but not over weight.

Last year I thought she had developed an ear abcess so I took her to my vet. She said she thought it was a tumor. She hypernated and came out fine but this lump really worries me as I don't want anything bad to happen to her. It is not any larger and actually is a bit above and further back on her head than her ear. Should I find something else to worry about or should I
pursue another vet.

Get a second opinion.

Katrina

The vet should know about ear abscesses and box turtles. It's not uncommon for these situations to return if the turtle conditions have been dry. Some turtles that get abscesses are more prone to repeat infections. I'd seek a qualified turtle vet and get it lanced.

Paul

>>The vet should know about ear abscesses and box turtles. It's not uncommon for these situations to return if the turtle conditions have been dry. Some turtles that get abscesses are more prone to repeat infections. I'd seek a qualified turtle vet and get it lanced.
>>
>>Paul

I second that. Dry conditions are usually prone to causing ear infections in box turtles. If a turtle has had an infection once that was not properly or fully dealt with it could lead to repeat infections later down the road.

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Wyvern

I'm sure that dry conditions can weaken the turtle in general, leaving it more prone to infections, but so can any number of things, including hibernation.

After this is fixxed, be sure to have lots of moist places for it to hide. You might consider occasionally running a sprinkler in the pen in if your area is dry. A good mulch pile you soak with a hose every few days can provide a humid place to burrow during dry weather as well.

can you show us a picture? A lump on the side of the head near the tympanic membrane (ear) is most often an abcess and easily treated at home (if you have a strong stomach and some experience and some help) or by a vet.

Abcesses are quite common and not all that serious. Every spring after hibernation I have some boxies develop them. I've never let them go without treatment, but I suspect that since I've seen them on wild turtles, they must rupture and drain in the wild as well (though likely with greater risk of infection and damage to the ear parts). I suspect that the weakening of the immune system by hibernation allows small infections to take hold on occasion and develop these more easily in the spring.

This is definately is behind and above the ear. That is part of why I am unsure. It was there last year and has not changed size. The area where my turtles are is sprinkled on a regular basis. When dry it gets it twice per day. Also this area is filled with native plants and has access to a shallow pond that is moving water (part of the waterfall into my one of my ponds).

Doing the surgery to lace it is not a big deal to me. I have scalples and equipment. I have experience with surgery on various critters as well as on humans. Hesitance is for the turtle not for me. I am speaking to a reptile vet recommended by Tess Cook for his oppinion as well. Just want a few different opinions since I am the only one looking and I don't have a digital camara.

now that you've done it, I'll bet you'll recognize it in the future.

One bit of advice, make sure the abcess hardens before operating. I've opened one that was still fluid and it was damn near impossible to clean out, I think it was still running fluid into the wound, but it's hard to tell since I was irrigating with clear liquids as well. The solidified mass comes out easily and the congealed white pus pieces that need to be flushed can be seen easily once it's hardened, plus I haven't had any reason to think more pus was leaking into the wound doing it after hardening...

not vet science maybe, but practical advice

After a lot of good input and a vet 2nd opinion I lanced what was an abcess. The vet said since it was not bothering her it was probably walled off but could still cause problems in the future. I followed the detail from http://www.pogospals.com/pogospals/INdiana_TURTLE_CARE_nn4.html
web site. The vet added to be sure to let betadine sit on the surgical area for at least 15 minutes prior to making the incision. If I was closer to him he would do the surgery with a laser.

Anyway I did it the area was full of a very thick brown grainy puss. She didn't seem to mind the procedure and is now resting on a moist towel in a inside enclosure till I am sure she is heeled.

yep, I won't recommend folks do this on their own, as it is risky and not really for the faint of heart, but it's not so difficult if you are so inclined.

I try to keep em on regularly changed moist paper towels in a small bin for a few days, repacking the wound with neosporin or an equivalent. After a few days the area will be returned to a pink or light color instead of the inflamed red, then I return the turtle to the pen and check her/him daily till I know all is well.

actually... I guess there is no "him" about it, I've never had a male with an abcess, only my gals.