Urgent Care :: Dog Bite-Help freaking out right now!

[dandj425]

I hope these pics go through. Our OddPet Vet was closed and am trying to keep Tweedle Dee well throughout night until tomorrow when Vet is supposed to be open. She is moving well, all damage is to shell and her exoskeletal but the side bite with the blood...Another turtle oner here told me to keep her dry docked tonight until vet. And a family friend said to put antibiotic ointment on the wounds. Bleeding stopped. I did wash her in an iodinized salt bath and am letting her hangout in a dry tank with a warm lined flannel. But she keeps crawling the tank. Afraid of infection from stupid dog germs. She is almost 3 yrs old and not too big.

[steve]

Sounds like you did the right things though I'm not sure if a salt bath would be a good idea. Normal procedure calls for a gentle rinse with chlorhexidine (Hibiclens), apply some antibiotic ointment (Neosporin) and dry dock as much as you can.

Keep her in a dark space, hopefully she'll relax and sleep.

[dandj425]

She is now curled up in one of the flannel's curves. At least i hope it is sleep. She always crawls under blankets, couches, etc a snuggler/ hider so i think she has calmed down. What does the vet do for serious shell wounds? I cant imagine giving her oral antibiotics. How can i tell in the morn if she has gitten a fever?

[steve]

No way to tell what will happen, but I've seen many RES get through worse. The main thing is to avoid infection and allow the shell to strengthen. A vet could give injections, and then show you how to give them.

Alternatively, you might want to try and reach rehabbers in your area. They would have some experience with this kind of wound and might be able to offer guidance. That's not a substitute for a vet, but in case you can't reach one tomorrow.

[Miss Tee]

I can't do anything--or even offer advice...
just want you to know that I am sending Tweedle Dee healing thoughts and vibes....

[dandj425]

Thank yoU Miss Tee!
UPDATE- tweedle dee went to vet and since Dr Mertz wasnt in we had to go to our local VCA Emergency room. But they were cool and were able to talk to the exotic vet by phone and they did have one tech who was great showing me how to inject the antibiotic.
So yes that means Tweedle Dee is on a 7 dose/ every third day course of antibiotic .05 intramuscular. Twice daily i am to "weak tea colored" Betadine dilute bath followed by silver sulfera&)(&? ointment. Her underbelly was reddish so they say she may already have sepsis but they feel she will make it with diligent care and yes permanent scarring but at least she will be alive 30 more years and that dog ... Ok i love our dog but i am so mad at her right now!!!

[steve]

Just an FYI, many sites consider Hibiclens better for fleshy wounds than Betadine soaks, as it would encourage faster healing. Though nearly all vets I've spoke to think a weak tea Betadine soak is fine. As long as she's not drinking it and already healing, I think it's OK too. Good luck and please keep us up to date.

[dandj425]

Funny you say that cuz i did ask the vet who said they dont like hibiclens due to the added detergents etc. I wish i could have seen my regular vet but will see him for recheck and ask him. I only made enough in a small bowl about inch or two deep, then tipped bowl to cover side wound which thank goodness is over her rear leg. I am afraid of her having her head in the solution.
She has been resting for a few hours. I did touch her once cuz her head was out but she woke up. Her twin Tweedle Dum seems to miss her in the tank but we have our big girl Stevie in there so those two are snuggling.
Will update in few weeks with good news of recovery power of positive thoughts:)

[sflemin2]

Omigosh!! Poor little girl!!! I am glad you are taking such good care of her! I didn't realize a dog could do that! What kind of dog is it?? My dog is absolutely terrified of my turtles lol

[dandj425]

One year later update->
Tweedle is my girl and doing so well. We have had such a busy season since but wanted to say she is well and though "scarred"(it will always be rounded where the shell was bit off) she is now about 4-5 SCL! Which seems about twice from when I adopted her last year. So at about age 3-4(previous owner not sure so based on plastron aging), she is very active and loving. Yes, LOVING! My dh laughs at me but Tweedle sees me and comes to me and I pat her head all the time. She is also the only RES we have now but that is another update...so we just call her Tweedle since her twin is gone. Will post pics of the healed wounds when I can get me camera charged!

[devilduck]

Glad to hear things worked out with Tweedle!

[Diamondbacks4Life]

Looking forward to the updated pics. Like seeing success storys with pics of how turtles survived.

[steve]

Great story and update!

[Listen97]

Always good to hear a survival story.

[Gracie Turts]

yeah. tough little turtle. very hardy.