Urgent Care :: There's a pretty bad mark on my Turtles neck. HELP!!!

[LexceeB]

I went to clean my turtles tank after feeding them and noticed that one of them has a pretty ugly open wound on the top of it's neck. What should I do? Is this an emergency? I just need some help please. Thank You

[steve]

In that location it's a possible bite mark or an injury from the nuchal scute. Is one or both your turtles a male? Separation is usually the first step. Dry docking, some diluted betadine and neosporin is usually enough for minor injuries.

[LexceeB]

Yes I believe I have a male and a female in the same tank. I've had them since they were tiny. I got them in 2007. So they're a lot bigger now. I'm going to go take a picture of the actual turtle and the mark just to be sure.

[LexceeB]

This is my turtle

[penelope]

Ouch!
How long has that mark been there?
Am I safe in saying it is a fairly deep open wound?
If it has been there a little while, my first thought is to recommend a vet visit because bacteria in the tank can cause a serious infection.
Otherwise, the antibiotics that Steve mentioned are a good start. Since it looks a little "water logged" it may be a good idea to dry-dock him or her as well to help the wound dry up and heal.

[LexceeB]

Thanks! Now, I also have another turtle in this tank. Do you two think it's best for me to separate them? The other one has been hissing and jumpy a lot lately.

[steve]

Please separate. Males almost always become aggressive towards other turtles.