General Care Discussion :: Ear Abscess problem

[Eltrut]

Well, I researched it and know what the problem is. I also know what the solution is. My problem is that I can't pay for the solution.

My filter pump died about 2 weeks ago, been using a sub-optimal filter and pump in the mean time, changing the water more often to try to keep it clean. I was trying to save up enough funds to replace the unit, but when changing the water yesterday I saw the lumps on the RES. Researched it, found out they were ear abscesses, and started calling vets. Long story short, I just don't have the money for the vet bill (or the pump for that matter).

Until I do get enough funds together to take the trip to the vet, what can I do to slow/stop/ease the burden on my turtle?

Its a red-ear slider, about 2.5" shell diameter. It swims fine, no noticeable problems or quirks. It eats regularly and keeps the food down, and no noticeable problems passing stool. Shell is in good condition, as is the skin. All and all a healthy turtle if not for the ear abscesses.

Any suggestions or advice to help keep it healthy and happy until I can get it to a vet would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time and effort.

[Linus]

"Lumps appearing on either side of the turtle's head - oftentimes both sides - is a sure sign of an ear abscess. This does not mean that you are doing anything wrong with your habitat or your care. Just like with people, sometimes bacteria enters the body and there is nothing that can be done to prevent it. Don't feel like you have done something wrong, because you most likely haven't...just get it taken care of.

Treatment usually consists of nothing more than a simple trip to the vet, though some have done it at home. The typical reason for this is water quality (in aquatics) and humidity and temperature conditions (in terrestrial species). Oral and systemic meds are most times useless at treating this type of infection and an incision over the infection is required. Although this can be done at home, it is recommended that a vet is utilized as there is pain involved for the turtle and an anesthesia is preferred.

Most times, the vet will place the turtle under anesthesia and make an incision along the lump. The vet will drain the infected area and then rinse the area, ensuring that all of the material is removed.

If the infection has solidified, then the vet will need to remove the hard clump-like material in addition to the fluid build-up and then flush with a cleansing solution.

After the operation, no stitches are required and the turtle should be kept separate and in a dry container for the next few days, with only 1-2 hour swims in fresh, clean water each day. After a few days, all should be back to normal and the turtle can then be placed back into the habitat"

Austins's Turtle Page.

I had this problem about 3 months ago. The vet is a must. If you can't afford the vet, you can't afford the pet.

[Eltrut]

Why thank you for reiterating as to what an ear abscess is, and thank you for reinforcing my view that I do need to take it to the vet. Also, your very empathetic commentary as to my current financial difficulties is much appreciated.


Now, keeping in mind that I am taking it to the vet as soon as I can, what can I do in the mean time to help him?

[vear]

Hey, I was looking through some old posts and I came across a few things. Please keep in mind that I have never done this, I just gathered information from previous posts.

It is very important to clean the tank and/or keep your turtle in very clean water. Usually bacteria cause abcesses. Also, you can apply Betadine to the area. I also read you can keep them in water with antiseptic in it for a bit (i don't know anything about this though).

Safe bet: really clean water (even if you need to place your turtle in a different container and change the water often, since your pump broke). Betadine on the abcess, and if it happens to burst, you need to dry dock your turtle so the wound doesn't get infected. Place the turtle in water for 1-2hrs. a day so he/she can eat/drink/poo etc.

That's as much as I know. Try searching the forum though - I know this has happened to a lot of people.

[Eltrut]

Vear, Thanks for the information! This is what I was asking for. I have an update on the turtle (his name is Oreo), We took him to a vet and she was able to lance the abscesses Monday. So far the little guy is doing good, we have him dry docked for now with a 2 hour in water break. Cross your fingers that he does well...