Why does my turtle have a swollen puss pocket on its neck or legs?

Thanks for reaching out about Swimmly and including a photo. A veterinary visit is recommended ASAP. This could be an indication of sepsis, liver/kidney disease, heart problems, calcium and other nutritional deficiencies, just to list a few. Check water quality and replaced to clean water. Removing from the water and placing in a warm dry environment might help over the short term. Returning to water to feed is allowed. Blood work and other diagnostics will probably be necessary, but at the minimum systemic antibiotics started. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Tuffy. Swelling on the side of the head are likely inner ear infections. Vitamin A deficiencies are common causes. Antibiotics in the water will do little as turtles do not drink much, systemic antibiotics are required to treat. These can be given orally (difficult to do without being bitten) or through injections. But the diet needs to be corrected to include vitamin A rich foods. Since turtles create very thick pus, minor surgical procedures need to be performed to remove the pus. You might need to see another veterinarian with more reptile experience. Good luck.

If it appeared and grew rapidly, have Sandy examined by your veterinarian or a vet experience din treating reptiles. A fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. This may diagnose infection, inflammation, a malignancy or a benign mass. In the meantime, provide pristine water conditions to prevent infection. A proper diet UVB light and heat supply are essential for good health and digestion. You can find a care sheet at the link below. http://www.reptilesmagazine.com/Turtles-Tortoises/Turtle-Care/Pink-Belly-Side-Neck-Turtle/

Thanks for reaching out about Ace. Swollen limbs is commonly an indication of retained fluids. Possible causes could be infection, kidney, heart or liver disease. Illness from improper husbandry or diet can also affect systemic healthy. A veterinary visit is highly recommended, soon for a diagnostics and treatment plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Tuktuk and including a photo. The foot appears to be infected. Is he housed with another turtle that could have bitten him? Or another type of wound. Water quality needs to be pristine to prevent further infection. Floating with one side dependent is often a sign of a congested lung, i.e. pneumonia. A veterinary visit is highly recommended as soon as possible, as systemic antibiotics are probably needed. Check and correct all husbandry parameters including water and basking temperatures, nutrition, and UVB exposure. Good 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.

The swelling could be related to the injections although it's more likely due to the infection. you can try cold compresses several times a day on the affected leg, if the swelling is too severe you should take Jazzy to the vet earlier.