This is My first post and I just came across this forum today in hopes someone can help me.
My 27 year old RES, Herman (I've had her since I was 6) had an ear abscess removed today.
We only have one reptile vet in my city and is the closest for 400km's. So I had to go to him.
He removed the abscess without anesthetic (said anesthetic is too risky in reptiles)
It breaks my heart knowing that she went thru that kind of pain.
Anyways, my concerns....
He told me it was ok to put her back in the pond with my other turtle, and to clean the hole every 2-4 hours.
He gave me a curved plunger with a solution of iodine and water mix in it, told me to insert it in the hole and squirt until I see the solution enter my turtles mouth.
He told me NOT to let the hole close for TWO weeks and he'll do a check up in a week (that's why I'm assuming he wants me to keep her in the water to make sure the incision doesn't heal over? )
The water must be kept exceptionally clean.
He gave no antibiotics just the solution.
From what I am reading on the net is that I should be dry docking her and only allowing a few hours daily of water time.
I have noticed a bit of pus come out with the first rinse I done but nothing since.
Would it be wise to put polysporin on it?
Should I dry dock her?
No mention of keeping this wound open and cleaning it out.
I know it's hurting her to put the plunger in the incision and flushing
Currently I have her in a kiddie pool in my basement with clean water.
Please, if anyone has any experience with this, I need your advice.
Thank you
