My female map turtle (I believe it's a false map turtle) has had some dead skin on the top of her head for several weeks now that wouldn't come off, and this afternoon while she was basking I took her out to get a closer look. There appeared to be a large flap of dead skin attached on one side.
As I lifted up gently on the dead skin, she retracted her head abruptly causing the skin to be detached completely. When the "scab" came off it looks like it tore at some of the new flesh, also.
Any suggestions on what I need to do now? It doesn't appear to be bleeding, but the skin looks raw and tender with faint hint of blood. Does this warrant a trip to the vet?
I didn't get a before shot, but here's the current state of the wound:
This is what came off:
Any advice would be appreciated. I feel horrible for trying to help her
As I lifted up gently on the dead skin, she retracted her head abruptly causing the skin to be detached completely. When the "scab" came off it looks like it tore at some of the new flesh, also.
Any suggestions on what I need to do now? It doesn't appear to be bleeding, but the skin looks raw and tender with faint hint of blood. Does this warrant a trip to the vet?
I didn't get a before shot, but here's the current state of the wound:
This is what came off:
Any advice would be appreciated. I feel horrible for trying to help her