My razorback musk turtle has a yellowish lump on its leg. What is it?

This is most likely a tumor or an abscess. In either case, it will need to be evaluated and treated by your veterinarian. If it is a mass it may need to be removed. If it is an abscess it will need to be surgically debrided and the turtle will need a course of antibiotics. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

It appears as if Gobo has developed an abscess. An abscess forms as a result of some minor infection. Ideally, he should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. The abscess should be cleaned and flushed. Antibiotics will likely be indicated after. Maintain adequate water quality and increased temperature by about 5 degrees F to aid in recovery.

Thanks for reaching out about Tommy and including a photo. These bubbles can be due to a bacterial infections or a parasitic infestation. Check and correct water quality. A veterinary visit is recommended to assist with a diagnostic and treatment plan. Good luck.

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.

Hi, you’re right, the lumps are difficult to see in the photos. Lumps on or in a turtle shell can be from a number of things. There can be an underlying metabolic issue like metabolic bone disease (lack of UVB light and imbalance of calcium/phosphorus), or pyramiding, which can be from high protein and low humidity. Infections (bacteria, fungus, some parasites) can also cause shell lumps. Because these issues are all so different, it’s important to have Cookie examined by a veterinarian so they can do some tests and get her on the best treatment, if indicated. Good luck!

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.