Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My turtle is about a year old. I noticed about a month ago her left jaw started to look swollen. Now I notice the other one is starting to swell too. This does not have any effect on her eatting or swimming. I just wanted to know if anyone else has seen this and what it is.

Do you have a UVB source like a Reptisun 5.0? Swollen jaws
can be the first sign of metabolic bone disease. Turtles
can also get ear infections but most of the time it only
occurs on one side not both.

Please give specifics of your turtles set-up and tell us
what you feed him.

Linda

Linda,
Thank you for your response. I do have him under a UVB light recommended by turtle breeders. I feed him ReptoMin for aquatic turtles which he has been on for the whole time I have had him. He still is eatting well as of today but his jaws are both swollen now. He is in a 20 gallon long aquarium that is heated to 75 degrees. I make sure the water is always clean and both the uvb and a heating lamp with a platform under each is on at least 18 hours a day. Mary

Specifically, what type of UVB do you have? Is it a bulb
or a long fluorescent tube like for fish?

I would put your lights on a timer to come on at 7am and
off at 7pm. It is best to try and duplicate nature. 18 hours
of light is not normal for these guys.

The reptomin sticks are a good staple food. As your turtle
grows you need to increase variety.

Please take your turtle to a qualified vet. My bets are
on some type of metabolic bone disease which if left untreated
will kill your turtle in a long painful death.

Please let me know ASAP what type of UVB source you have.

I do have the long fluorescent tube that is made just for reptiles and a basking light recommended for turtles too. I have looked more into his symptoms and I do believe he has an ear infection. I want to thank you for all your information.
Mary

n/p

If it is an ear infection that is causing swelling you are probably seeing pus accumulation in the middle ear, this will need to be drained by a vet

good luck!
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0.1 Bearded dragon
0.1 mexican kingsnake
1.0.2 Leopard Gecko's
0.0.1 Rose Hair Tarantula
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4.1 Cats

Thank you for your response.
Have a great day!