Strange Growth and Skin Problems
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Please see the album I posted on the photos page. Cornelius developed the growth near her hind legs 4 weeks ago. She was still eating up until 9 days ago. We took her to the vet and the vet wanted to do surgery to remove the growth. I opted out because 1) she would have to stay out of water for more than 2 weeks (which has never worked out for her in the past) 2) it would cost over $300 and I can’t afford it. The vet gave her cipro for 10 days of treatment. She finished the treatment right around when she stopped eating. And then two days ago developed this strange “bubble” of skin by her face. It looks like there is air/fluid under her skin. Please help me. I don’t know what to do and the vet was not helpful and very expensive. I just want her to get better. thanks!! ~Elaine~
Hi Elaine, You’ve unfortunately got a pretty serious issue here with Cornelius that if left unresolved could prove fatal. The infection on her leg could quickly turn septic and the pocket of fluids on her shoulder is very troubling – not something I’ve seen before. For those of you who could not find the pictures – they’re here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/diamondbackterrapins/photos/album/771050 98/pic/list You may not have a choice but to dry dock her. At the very least, you will need to make her tank water fully brackish; rinse the infection daily with Betadine or Nolvasan; and apply Silvadene cream to the area. The main thing you’re trying to avoid is the infection getting into her blood, at which point, it will be deadly. The Ciprol will buy you some time. Now unfortunately, I have never seen the fluid buildup before and don’t have any suggestions – anyone out there familiar with this? -Stephen C — In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, “Elaine”
First of all I am sorry to hear about Cornelius. I agree this is something that needs to be treated now! $300 is really not that outrageous for a surgical procedure on a turtle. I couldn’t see the pictures but from what you described by the face it sounds like an ear absess (infection)? Sounds like your little guy needs to a see a vet very quickly! I would see if you could do a payment plan with your vet…. usually if your a long time customer they will let you pay half of the bill there and give you a month or more to pay off the rest of the bill. But I wouldn’t sit on this either… if you can’t afford to take this little guy in maybe someone on here would want to adopt him and get him medical treatment? Michaela Mullen — In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, “Elaine”
Hi Elaine, i am so sorry to hear about your friend. what did the vet say the growth near the hind legs was? sometimes vets just want to operate to remove something they dont even know what it is they are removing. they like to do surgery, not to say you must take your friend to the vet asap and ask questions! they also like to prescribe meds for reasons that they dont know what they are treating. is it bacterial or viral , is it a secondary infection? is this a herp vet? i dont want to see your friend in trouble. i will help youwith your money problem, your turtle must see a vet asap.. please email me, ktestarealestate@…
Sorry that i didn’t provide this in the first post. The vet said she didn’t know what the leg growth was. It is hard and the vet did a biopsy and found clear fluid (she found red blood cells and very very few white blood cells). No puss. Apparently this was confusing to her because it didn’t indicate an infection and she felt that the best course of action was to do surgery. I felt different because my turtle generally doesn’t handle being out of water very well. There were also no cancer cells. Not sure if that helps anyone. The liquid by her face is a new thing and a vet has not assessed it. The vet I took her to is a reptile and exotic vet. I am contacting other vets with the pics today to see if they have seen this before. I can take her back to the same vet but I didn’t feel like she had much information to help me with. No alternative course of action except surgery, eventhough she had no idea what this is. I really appreciate any help you might be able to give. The pics are here : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/diamondbackterrapins/photos/album/771050 98/pic/list thank you so much! ~Elaine~ — In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, “Elaine”
Oh my gosh I have never seen anything like that……??? I hope the growths near its head are not growths like the one on the leg. Yeah hopefully one of those vets can help you…… I really have never seen anything like this before and I have seen countless pictures of turtle ailments. I hope for the best for your little Cornelius. Michaela — In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, “Elaine”
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