Ear abscesses are not uncommon for box turtles to develops. Several theories have been discussed as to what causes them, among them being dehydration, diet, and stress. Being a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and having worked for 12 years in oral surgery, I am comfortable with this procedure. I so advise owners to take their turtles to their veterinarian if they should have an ear abscess. Complications and infections can develops is not treated properly.
The set up includes Betadyne, Peroxide, antibiotic ointment, sterile blade, hemostats, gauze and swabs.
This is a 3-toed box turtle with an ear abscess. I find that if you let it become rounded, it is easier to drain. This turtle is in excellent health and is eating well.
The abscess area is cleaned with Betadyne before the incision is made. The incision is crescent shaped going around the bottom half curve of the area. Contents begins to drain immediately after the incision.
This turtle handled the procedure very well and actually seemed comfortable after it was opened up.
A slight amount of pressure is applied for the contents to expel. If the procedure is done early on, the contents is more liquid. It is important to remove all of the infection.
After the contents is emptied, the area is irrigated first with peroxide, secondly with sterile water, and finally with diluted Betadyne. Bleeding is minimal.
After the draining has ended, the flap of skin is laid in down in place and antibiotic ointment is applied.
This is the contents of the abscess.
The longer the abscess is present, the more solid the contents. This makes it much easier to remove.
The patient is doing fine the next day. He is on a towel to keep his incision area clean. He is eating and basking under a warm light. He will receive a round of antibiotics during his recovery
