Emergency Injury to Shell

[bigsulcata]

Hello,

My tortoise’s shell was injured most likely 24 hours ago. She is acting completely fine, but there is a clear liquid coming out. All I can think of for cause of injury is knocking hard on the corner of a concrete paver. I’ve never had this issue before so I would really appreciate any advice in the meantime before I can see a vet. Any recommendations on remote veterinarians as well would be good. Thank you

 

[Yvonne G]

Clean it well with an antibiotic soap then make sure its completely dry. Dab on a tiny bit of first aid cream then place a small sterile gauze pad and tape it in place with a good quality duct tape or gorilla tape. Then leave it alone.

Figure out a way to protect the spots that rub the shell so it doesn't happen anymore. . .some sort of barrier.

This is a puncture. Is there any other
animal in the same yard?

 

[bigsulcata]

Clean it well with an antibiotic soap then make sure its completely dry. Dab on a tiny bit of first aid cream then place a small sterile gauze pad and tape it in place with a good quality duct tape or gorilla tape. Then leave it alone.

Figure out a way to protect the spots that rub the shell so it doesn't happen anymore. . .some sort of barrier.

Thank you for your quick reply Yvonne. What kind of first aid cream? Is there a specific one you use? And I usually use dilutedDawn dish soap on her shell. Is that still okay?

 

[wellington]

Any over the counter antibiotic cream.

 

[bigsulcata]

Clean it well with an antibiotic soap then make sure its completely dry. Dab on a tiny bit of first aid cream then place a small sterile gauze pad and tape it in place with a good quality duct tape or gorilla tape. Then leave it alone.

Figure out a way to protect the spots that rub the shell so it doesn't happen anymore. . .some sort of barrier.

This is a puncture. Is there any other
animal in the same yard?

No other animal in the yard. Only could have been from a concrete step is all I can think of.

 

[bigsulcata]

@Yvonne G @wellington Do you think I will still need to see a vet? It’s a small puncture but the vets say they would probably need to do a “wound treatment”

 

[Megatron's Mom]

Look around for nails or screws in the yard she could have banged up against.

Look for ointments like Neosporin without the pain reliever in it.

 

[wellington]

@Yvonne G @wellington Do you think I will still need to see a vet? It’s a small puncture but the vets say they would probably need to do a “wound treatment”

I would see how he does the next few days first. Do what Yvonne suggested. If he knocks the bandage off or gets dirt on it, clean it again and reapply the antibiotic cream and pad.

 

[bigsulcata]

No other animal in the yard. Only could have been from a concrete step is all I can think of.

@wellington Okay that’s good to hear since I can’t get an appointment for a few days. What kind of soap can I use on the wound?

 

[bigsulcata]

@wellington Okay that’s good to hear since I can’t get an appointment for a few days. What kind of soap can I use on the wound?

@wellington @Yvonne G Is Betadine necessary or just some hypoallergenic dial antibacterial sensitive hand soap?

 

[wellington]

@wellington @Yvonne G Is Betadine necessary or just some hypoallergenic dial antibacterial sensitive hand soap?

I have no idea what kind of soap Yvonne is thinking of. Wait to see what she says.
In the mean time, clean it with regular warm water and clean rag and put the antibiotic on it. Then when Yvonne answers, just use the soap, wash the cream off and reapply and cover.

 

[wellington]

If you have betadine you can use that but just once.

 

[MenagerieGrl]

It's been mentioned several time here, Is Betadine safe for tort's?

 

[jaizei]

It's been mentioned several time here, Is Betadine safe for tort's?

Yes