Urgent Care :: Skin Wound on Turtle's Hand

This is not a substitute for qualified and relevant veterinarian care.
Read this before you post a new topic here.

Post Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2021 5:47 pm   Skin Wound on Turtle's Hand

20210317_135732 (2).jpg

Hi, I noticed my turtle seemed to have a cut in the hand and it was bleeding. I've taken it out of water and let it dry for about a week now. The spot turned brown, not sure if it is a scab or turning worse. This turtle does share the tank with another Red Eared in the same tank. I really appreciate if anyone has advice! Thanks, I'll attach a picture.
How big is your turtle? About 4 inches wide, 5 inches long
How long have you had it? About 5 years

What is the water temperature? Not sure, room temperature
Did you use a thermometer? No
Are you using a water heater? No
How much water is in there? About 6ish gallons?
Are you using a water conditioner? Yes, API sludge destroyer
Are you using any filtration? Yes

What is the basking temperature?
Is there a basking light? Yes
Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on? Yes
What kind is it or what is it made out of? Floating dock
Is there a UVB light?

What have you been trying to feed it? Repto sticks, krill, shrimp, mealworms, crickets
When was the last time your turtle ate? A week ago

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure? 20 or 30-gallon tank
Is the tank near a window? Yes
Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity? Not too busy

Have you read the Basic Care section? Yes
Have you searched the forums for similar situations? Yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms? Not as of now
Fruzel
 
Posts: 6
Joined: Mar 17, 2021

Post Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 11:40 am   Re: Skin Wound on Turtle's Hand

I'd separate them as another turtle will likely attack an area of injury. 6 gallons is not a lot of water and not very sanitary, especially when there is an open injury. So, not sure what caused the initial wound as it does not look like the nail bed is infected. The turtle might also scratch/bite the area, so you need to keep an eye on that behavior. I'd would probably clean the area (betadine) and apply some antibiotic ointment (neosporin) and reevaluate after a couple of days. Dry docking the turtle usually helps with flesh wounds.
User avatar
steve
Site Admin
 
Posts: 31430
Joined: Apr 11, 2005
Location: New York, NY
Gender: Male

Post Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 3:46 pm   Re: Skin Wound on Turtle's Hand

Since my turtle would sometimes use the back of its hand to wipe eyes, will it still be fine to put Neosporin on the wound? I'm worried it might spread the ointment to its eyes. Thanks!
Fruzel
 
Posts: 6
Joined: Mar 17, 2021

Post Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 4:14 pm   Re: Skin Wound on Turtle's Hand

The ointment shouldn't be harmful but use a very thin/small amount. Wipe it off after a short period if you think it will be an issue.
User avatar
steve
Site Admin
 
Posts: 31430
Joined: Apr 11, 2005
Location: New York, NY
Gender: Male

Post Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2021 4:23 pm   Re: Skin Wound on Turtle's Hand

Ok, I will try that out. Thanks!
Fruzel
 
Posts: 6
Joined: Mar 17, 2021

Post Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2021 3:55 pm   Re: Skin Wound on Turtle's Hand

Update: turtle's scab seems to have ripped off, looks like a chunk of the flesh has gone too. Should I continue to clean the wound and apply neosporin? Thanks, picture will be attached.
Attachments
20210331_124955.jpg
Fruzel
 
Posts: 6
Joined: Mar 17, 2021

Post Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2021 1:34 pm   Re: Skin Wound on Turtle's Hand

I'm not liking the way it looks. There was no blood? There might be poor circulation in the area. Is there a vet that can take a look?
User avatar
steve
Site Admin
 
Posts: 31430
Joined: Apr 11, 2005
Location: New York, NY
Gender: Male

Post Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2021 1:56 pm   Re: Skin Wound on Turtle's Hand

There wasn't any blood, and I will schedule an appointment with a vet soon. Thanks
Fruzel
 
Posts: 6
Joined: Mar 17, 2021

Post Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2021 2:06 pm   Re: Skin Wound on Turtle's Hand

Alright, good luck! How is he doing otherwise?
User avatar
steve
Site Admin
 
Posts: 31430
Joined: Apr 11, 2005
Location: New York, NY
Gender: Male

Post Posted: Thu Apr 01, 2021 3:21 pm   Re: Skin Wound on Turtle's Hand

I tried putting him in water for short periods of time to try and feed him. He doesn't really eat yet but drinks water at least. Otherwise, he keeps bumping around the enclosure I have him in for dry docking.
Fruzel
 
Posts: 6
Joined: Mar 17, 2021


Return to Urgent Care

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests