Found a tortoise with a cracked shell and open wound, what now?

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.

Thanks for reaching out about Charlie and including a photo. Sorry for the situation. A veterinary visit is a must. Open wounds need to be cleaned and closed. Antibiotics and analgesics are recommended. Concerns would be he was chewed on by something, so outdoor time should be limited to daytime only. No access to dirt to decrease potential of further infection. Clean now by soaking in warm tap water. See a veterinarian, ASAP. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about your turtle. Unfortunately, the pictures are too dark to determine a lesion. A veterinary visit would work the best but if none available you could try applying a topical antibiotics ointment. A petroleum based product will adhere better in water but is still likely to wash off. Keep water quality as pristine as possible. Systemic antibiotics (injections) would improve chance of success. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Rizzo and including photos. This does appear to be a deep shell infection. First, water quality is incredibly important. All substrate (rocks, soil) should be removed. Water changes daily. Next, a dry environment needs to be set up to allow the wound to dry. Aquatic turtles can stay out of the water for very long periods of time. Rizzo can be kept dry all day and allowed two periods of time to be allowed to eat (1-2 hours each time) as turtles will not eat if dry. This will all allow the topical application of a anti-microbial cream, and not have it wash off. A soft towel or T-shirts can be used for bedding. Lastly, a veterinary visit is needed to prescribe systemic antibiotics, likely injections, as creams don't penetrate too deeply. These will heal over time if therapy is aggressive. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Amad and including photos. If showing signs of being that sick, disease process is advanced and a veterinary visit is recommended ASAP. Most emergency veterinary clinics are open today. Check, review and correct dietary and husbandry parameters, as these are essential for proper health and to help stimulate the immune system. By the photos, fruit and mushrooms, and some greens are not a very well rounded diet. Severe illness probably requires systemic antibiotics and some diagnostic testing. Check heat support as needs to be in the 85-90 F range for this species. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Yurtle and including a photo. Clean the foot with a gently soap and topically apply a broad spectrum antibiotic such as Neosporin. Keep dry for a few days and removed any substrate that can attach to the wound, replaced with paper towels. If lesion progresses, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

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.