Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Thanks for the link and responses, it's greatly appreciated! I did talk to some vets and all that I have talked to thinks it's much easier to put this guy down rather than fix him, I don't share their opinion though! He has an incredibly strong will to live and I just don't see any need in putting something to sleep when there is hope. So, needless to say, I'm doing this on my own, without the help of the vets and so far, so good! I have been treating the wound every day and bandaging him, it's actually starting to look better and hopefully things will continue to improve. As soon as I can, I will post pics. He will never be able to close his shell again due to one of the breaks affecting the hinge, but if he pulls through this, he will never have to worry about predators again, he's got a safe home here! Keep him in your prayers! Thanks, Christy

Im very glad to here that you will not give up on the box turtle. They are very hardy and this guy my still make it. Last year i rescued a turtle that had one of its back leggs ribed off is some kinda fight with an animal. I keep putting on the stump that was left triple antibiotic and this worked very well and she pulled through. I hibernated her outside this winter and she came thought in great shape.
In my opion the most important thing for you to do now is to feed it well. Sometimes box turtles taken form the wild will not eat for a few weeks. But once they start to eat they will make up for the lost time if you feed them things they realy like.
Mine love worms, and minnows both of which are very good for them. They also like the wild mushrooms but they are very picky and only eat certin ones. I bet if u bught some of the white mushrooms they sell in a store he would eat it as mushrooms are a big part of there diet in the wild. All my turtles also love cantalope try this if not eating, the color and the smell are hard for box turles to resist.
My only other segusatiion is to keep the turle outside. If he is going to recover at all his best chance is outsdie in the elements. At this point a small turtle pen in the shade with leaves for him to dig under is the best. Also have a dish of water for him to drink and soak in. My turtle with the missing legg spent a lot of time soaking in the water dish.

Jack
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Jack

Shell repairs can be difficult and sometimes do not heal properly, especially if they are done incorrectly. After years of doing them, I still turn in the difficult ones to people more experienced. If any of the repair material gets between the pieces of shell it will not heal. If the bone becomes dry and necrotic it also will not heal. There are so many variables it is hard to help over the computer.

The turtle also definitely needs antibiotic treatment. DO NOT put this turtle outside until healed as the flies will expel eggs into the crack maing the problem of a shell fracture the least of the problems.

It is horrific that the vets in your area recommended euthanasia, as turtles have an amazing ability to heal. You don't mention where you are so it makes it hard to make any recommendations on where to go for help. Try the link below and see if there are any rehabbers near you.

I can't seem to get 2 links attached, but search for

Arrowhead Reptile Rescue (it is in OHIO) and give them a call. He has helped me on several occasions and know his turtle shell repairs. He may also be able to hook you up with someone near you also. I send all "broken" turtles which I feel uncomfortable repairing to him as he is excellent.

Good luck with this turtle. jen
How to Locate a Wildlife Rehabilitator

A vet clinic here in San Diego replaced the hinge on a box turtle several years ago with a stainless steel door hinge - turtle doing fine and shell open/close function has returned. Hinge was bonded to shell with fiberglass like used in surf boards I believe. Don't give up. Mary Beth