I am in a bit of a bind. I recently acquired two sliders that formerly belonged to my sister and technically still do. My sister lost her apartment and as a result, so did the turtles. My parents and I moved the turtles into my parent's house about six weeks ago. Since then I have made several improvements to the habitat. Basically, two seven inch sliders were living together in a small critter cage filled with six inches of water. I don't know the exact dimensions but the cage was so small that the turtles were literally clawing at each other. In short, everything about the habitat was wrong. The water was green and smelled fowl without a heater. The lights were left on 24 hours a day for about two months. The docking area didn't have a ramp and was only big enough to accommodate one turtle. To my knowledge one turtle prevented the other from eating and to make matters worse, they consumed freeze dried krill for a month straight (or at least one did).
To make a long story even longer, a case of turtle bullying ensued, which brings me to my dilemma...AN ABSCESS...
As soon as my parents and I moved the turtles, I noticed that one turtle had three big wounds on both back legs and one front leg. Upon observation I noticed that one turtle was biting the other, so I separated the turtles and created two different habitats. I successfully treated the wounds on the back legs as recommended from more experienced keepers (dry docking, water changes, iodine, and triple antibiotic ointment). However. the wound on the front leg developed an abscess, which recently ruptured and expelled caseous matter. A crater now exists. I have flushed out the crater using a bulb syringe filled with 82 degree water and diluted betadine but I am worried!!!
Please know how much I wish I could take this turtle to the vet!!!! I am really not trying to make excuses but I honestly don't have the money. I lost my job and am currently seeking work. My sister doesn't have money for the vet and refuses to address the situation. My parents feel a vet is a waste of money so basically I am trying to make the best of a bad situation.
It there anything I can do at home to help this poor turtle? It looks like the abscess ruptured at the bottom of the lump but a flap of skin now remains over the crater. The area doesn't look swollen nor is it bleeding but I think some caseous matter might still exist around the wall of the former abscess. I really think I need a vet. This entire situation seems neglectful and I really hate it.
I am afraid that if any bacteria remains that the turtles will grow sicker and suffer unnecessarily.
I am basically seeking suggestions, advice, and support...I am trying so hard to help these turtles, especially the turtle with the former abscess.
Thanks to anyone who can help!
