General Care Discussion :: Big Turtle Biting smaller turtles shells

[carmat]

Ok.....we are in the process of moving the big turt to his own cage, and the smaller ones will be together.

Now for my question.

Just tonight I noticed there is a piece missing out of one of the smaller turt's shell. My dh says he may not live thru it. Now it is just around the "fanned" edging....not "into" the turtle's actual body. Is this true? They have done fine together till either last night or this a.m.

Both babies have bites taken out. The other baby one.....it is much smaller "bite" but the one is kinda big bite.

Just wondering.

Car

Also we are moving the three turts in a 20 gallon to 2 small ones in a 20 gallon, and the bigger one in a 25 gallon.

[KalinaBallerina]

Can you post a picture? If it's not too severe, it can probably be treated initially by following the protocol outlined in the sticky at the top of the urgent care discussion page. Best bet = take them to a herp vet.

[carmat]

I will try to post pics in just a bit. DH is working on the aquarium, and we will get them out and pics and measured....we have not measured them in a long time. I am excited to see how much they have grown.

[marisa]

It depends on how badly the shell has been injured. The bits are in the marginal scutes? What do the areas look like? Pics of the areas dry would be helpful.

[carmat]

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e229/ ... 512_06.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e229/ ... 512_02.jpg

[xsavingsaturdayx]

That turtle needs to be seen by a vet ASAP. That crack is huge. Please please, get him some medical assistance.

[carmat]

it's TWO different turtles

[DavidY]

Ouch! That's got to hurt. Can the turtle get infected from a bite to the outer scutes like that?

[xsavingsaturdayx]

I dont know, but either way...they should both be taken to a vet. Especially the one with the realy REALY huge crack...

[carmat]

the BIGGER bite does not look like it has been bleeding.

The Smaller bite, however looks like there is some blood.

But again.....this is TWO different small turtles we are dealing with.

[KalinaBallerina]

Both turtles need to be taken to the vet. Those injuries are beyond the scope of treating at home. I can see blood in the second photo - this could lead (very quickly) to septicemia if bacteria enter those wounds and go into the bloodstream. Best wishes - I'll be thinking about you and your turtles!

[carmat]

again, from a January post, the closest turt vet is within a two hour drive from my house. Not sure I am ready for a road trip with 3 little ones.

[DavidY]

I don't see the crack. Is it in the 2nd pic, 'cause a I can't see anything in that one? There's a dark line running from the front leg to the rear leg between the carapace and the plastron. Is that a crack?

I agree, they should be taken to the vet. Poor guys.

[xsavingsaturdayx]

Even if it hasnt been bleeding, it could still get infected. Taking your turtle to the vet is the smart and right thing to do right now. And yes, i know those are two different turtles - both should be seen ASAP.

[xsavingsaturdayx]

EDIT:


Like kallinaballerina said, those injurys are bad..it is BEYOND home treatment. Septicemia (blood poisoning) is very dangerous. Right now your turtle(s) have 95% chance of getting septicemia with an injury like that.


Sure two hours is alot...but honestly, if you have a car..then I dont think there is an excuse.