Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my tortoise's penis came out today. red, swollen, minimal bleeding. would appreciate council on what this condition is and what to do about it. Thank You

This is probably a prolapse, but could be symptomatic of other things as well. Keep it moist (human eye drops work well, ky jelly is good, poly sporin is alright, vasaline is a last resort).

Have your veterinarian check this out. Depending on the state of the tissue (viable, dying, or necrotic) the penis may be replaced or amputated. X-rays would be a good idea to rule out masses in the abdomen that may be pushing outward and/or bladder stones that are rather common in tortoises.

Good luck with your tortoise

Ian

Thank you for the info. We'll check it out.
steve

No change in my tortoise's condition. The skin is darkening and doesn't look to be too dry yet. As you can see from the picture, the base of the penis is a bit raw looking and seems as if it might start peeling. I don't know what it's supposed to look like. Can I fix this with keeping it clean, hydrated, and by applying polysporin or should I go to the vet right away? It's been about 30 hours since I found him like this. Please help!

I don't quite understand as to why he has not been taken to a vet!
This would be "First" on my list if he was unable to retract himself.
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Lori Kennedy-Neumann
Herp-Titude

I'd be very surprised if you can save the organ. You really do need to get it to a vet ASAP. I looks like it is necrotic and I would bet the odds of a secondary infection are very high.

>>No change in my tortoise's condition. The skin is darkening and doesn't look to be too dry yet. As you can see from the picture, the base of the penis is a bit raw looking and seems as if it might start peeling. I don't know what it's supposed to look like. Can I fix this with keeping it clean, hydrated, and by applying polysporin or should I go to the vet right away? It's been about 30 hours since I found him like this. Please help!
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Ed @ Tortoise Keepers
Trying to keep the fun in Chelonian care

A vet will need to take immediate steps in order to save this animal. Go...quickly.

ow -- his poor little weeny -- that does NOT look like healthy tissue! all i can do is chime in with the others: VET! NOW! PLEASE!

keep us posted on how the poor fella is doing!

My Goodness, VET!!! VET!!! VET!!!
Hope your little guy gets better- It looks so painful!!! Keep us updated, and good luck!

Agree with Lori, EJ, Steve and everybody. The penis looks very infected/necrotic. I've seen healthy turtle penises and do not look anything like this. Please take him to a herp/tort-vet right away to save his life...

Best Wishes of good health for torty...

TT