My tortoise has a chin spot. Is it a beak fracture? Should I worry?

Thanks for reaching out about Cheech and including a photo. The lesion appears superficial but needs to monitored. The pond appears a little murky which isn't necessarily a bad thing but probably contains more bacteria that could contaminate a lesion. You can continue to topically treat with a betadyne or iodine solution with a cotton tipped applicator. If the lesion progresses, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

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

Thanks for reaching out about Steve and including photos. These lesions appear similar to ones seen when chewed on by a dog or raccoon. A veterinary visit is a necessity to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Systemic antibiotics are needed, probably injections. After the wound is deemed clean, an acrylic patch needs to be placed to prevent future infections. Hydrogen peroxide is okay to use initially but will indiscriminately kills cells, including immune cells and new skin cells. Keep on clean paper towels or other substate to prevent further contamination. The environmental temperature should reach 90+F during the day to stimulate the immune system. Call your local veterinarian. Good luck.

It can be if it interferes with the ability to eat. Have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. The vet may be able to trim the beak to a manageable length that will not inhibit eating. Review your tort's diet with the vet to confirm adequate nutrition and vitamin/mineral supplementation.

Thanks for reaching out and including a photo. For aquatic turtles, it is very important to correct and seal the fracture, as they live in water and will commonly become infected. For now keep out of water and allow to dry. A veterinary visit is recommended for tomorrow. Pain medications are needed as the exposed bone hurts. Antibiotics are also necessary. Good luck.

Can you post again with photos? Do you mean the beak if broken or the actual jaw? That makes in difference on how we can help. I recommend you feed him soft foods for a while. Things he doesn't have to bite down on hard or tear with his beak. Really, a vet exam would be best. They can put in a feeding tube until the beak regrows or the fractured jaw heals.

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. The damage to the plastron is most likely from either trauma or infection. I have never seen something like this due to parasites. You should really try to find a local veterinarian to examine him as he likely needs more in depth treatment than what you can provide at home with over the counter remedies. You may need to travel towards Green Bay in order to find a reptile veterinarian. I found a few in that area. Here is one of them: ( https://countrycareac.com/search-animal-reptiles/ ) ( https://countrycareac.com/medical-surgical/medical-surgical-reptiles/ ) While you are waiting to get him an appointment you can try using this spray on the affected areas once or twice daily: ( ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.