My red-eared slider has a swollen head and skin patches. What's wrong?

Hello! This appears to be something called an "aural abscess" that is common in red eared sliders. It is generally the result of not eating enough Vitamin A in the diet or living in water that is not filtered enough. I would recommend taking Hunny into a vet to have the abscess cleaned out, then working on improving his diet and water quality. I hope this is helpful!

Thanks for reaching out about Radi. If an auricular infection, antibiotics and possible minor surgery needed, so a veterinary visit is recommended. If something more serious such as a skin infection, even more need to see a vet. Due to the nature of reptile pus (very thick and caseous), anti-inflammatories will do little to remedy this condition by themselves. Vitamin A deficiencies are often a component also and a veterinarian should be able to review your diet and correct any concerns. Good luck.

This can be due to vitamin A deficiency, infection, poor water quality or lighting that is too intense/direct. You can address environmental concerns but you may need a vet to diagnose and treat infection or deficiency. Feeding a commercial turtle food along with fresh veggies and greens (or prey) will help balance the diet. Vitamin and mineral supplementation is also recommended. Click on the link below for more information. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Hi, and thank you for this question. Smudgy's condition sounds serious, and cannot be treated at home. He will have to be examined by a vet ASAP and will likely need some medication as well as supportive care. The vet would also have several options of getting food into him (e.g. by inserting a feeding tube).

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.

From these pictures I'm concerned that Emelia may have an abscess or infection. I strongly recommend a visit to a reptile veterinarian ASAP. Correct husbandry and environment and feeding may prevent this from happening in the future but if she is already acting sick she likely needs antibiotic therapy and potential he injectable vitamins in order to recover. Try to get their lighting correct ASAP, and here are some links on Karen husbandry as well as the reptile veterinary Association if you need help finding a vet. Good luck with them. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/turtles-aquatic-diseases http://www.anapsid.org/mainchelonians.html http://arav.org/

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.