My pinkbelly turtle has growths on her neck and leg. What should I do?

It could be local infection. Monitor it for change or growth. You can gently cleanse the area using diluted betadine or chlorhexidine once or twice daily. Confirm adequate water quality to prevent secondary infection and to promote healing. Consider increasing the water and basking temperatures by a few degrees to aid in recovery. Ideally, a UVB light source should be provided for 12-14 hours daily. It should be no more than 14 inches away from the basking spot and unblocked by either glass or plexiglass for maximum benefits. If the spot does not heal or spreads, have Tabby examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. You can read more about care at this link: http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

This can be due to poor water quality. Dirty water increases the risk of infection. Maintain water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. Turtles need powerful filtration, so confirm your filter is rated for at least twice the volume of the tank. Infection should be confirmed by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. This will require a physical exam. Prescription antibiotics can be administered or dispensed afterwards.

Thanks for reaching out about Shelby and including a photo. Even though the shell appears pinkish, it also appears symmetrical, which is not necessarily an indication of sepsis. If the lesions progress or Shelby becomes lethargic, a veterinary visit and probably antibiotics are recommended. Check water quality parameters, as dirty water can lead to immune suppression and secondary infections. Investigate diet and correct any deficiencies. Good luck.

This may be localized infection or inflammation. It could also be an old injury. Keep the area clean. You can use a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution to gently clean the area daily. Maintain pristine water quality via filtration and regular partial water changes. Check temps in the tank as well. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. You can review slider care at the links below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Red-Eared-Slider-Care-Sheet/ http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

It is possible it is an abscess from a prior injury or infection. It could also be a tumor of some sort. Have Mac examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. A fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect a sample for pathology. This may provide a diagnosis.

Those appear to be papillomas caused by a turtle-specific herpesvirus. You would need to have Torti examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet to confirm fibropapillomatosis. The "pimples" are actually benign masses. Surgical resection or laser ablation may be an option to prevent larger tumors from interfering with swimming, vision, breathing or eating.

I would be concerned about the possibility of a tumor or an abscess/infection. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian. They can perform a needle aspirate to get an idea about what it may be and develop a treatment plan. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon.