My tortoise fell, bleeding from mouth. Is it internal? What to do?

Hello, I’m sorry to hear of Babu’s injury. I am worried he may have sustained trauma to his face or jaw or even possibly internally. A jaw fracture would certainly make him not want to eat. I would recommend you have him seen by a veterinarian as he may need pin medication, antibiotics or even treatment of the wound or fracture, if present. Also, check out anapsid.org and read the red eared slider section under “chelonian.” This will give you some advice about proper nutrition and husbandry. Good luck!

It probably won't die, but it is likely painful. The turtle should be seen by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles for treatment. It will likely need antibiotics and pain medications. Depending on the amount and severity of damage, the shell may need to be repaired. Use a clean cloth and gentle pressure to stop bleeding. If the bleeding won't stop, the turtle will need to be seen tonight at the nearest veterinary ER.

That redness may indicate severe infection. Cooper needs to be physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced herp vet as soon as possible. If infection is confirmed, she can be started on antibiotics immediately.

It is not uncommon for a turtle this small to have a somewhat soft shell. Continue to monitor for bleeding, pitting or lethargy. maintain pristine water quality. At this size, water depth should be no deeper than twice the shell length.provide a water heater, water filter, basking area out of the water, a heat lamp for basking and a UVB light source. Offer a balanced diet including prey (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc), fresh diced greens and vegetables and commercial pellets. A multivitamin and a calcium supplement should be dusted onto foods regularly. You can review slider care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Check the humidity in the enclosed. If ot is too dry, or could cause a minor nose bleed. If she will allow, look for any debris or foreign body in and around the area. It may also be infection (bacterial or fungal) which should be addressed by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. Since she has been straining, she should be seen by a veterinary. Being egg bound is a potentially serious condition. Veterinary ERs and clinics should be seeing patients. Call ahead. Procedures have likely been modified to prevent or limit contact. You may need to drop Penny off them wait for your veterinarian to call you to discuss exam findings and treatment options.

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.

The tortoise will need to be examined by a veterinarian experienced in treating reptiles. If the injuries are severe or if the tortoise is truly paralyzed, humane euthanasia may be an option. Without an exam, it is difficult to determine the extent of the injuries or what treatment is needed.