Sulcata has laceration that keeps opening

[RachelT]

My 10yo sulcata got the laceration 1 week ago. We are keeping it clean and applying antibiotic ointment. Because of where the laceration is it keeps opening and bleeding (it doesn’t bleed for very long), I’m worried about it not healing. Any suggestions??

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Over the counter items like Betadine can actually slow healing. Are you just using a general antibiotic cream?
I'm sure another member will chime in about wound care soon.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Ouch that looks kind of deep😣 let me tag @Tom

 

[TammyJ]

How do you think the wound happened? Could it be from the sharp edges of the carapace front that overhangs the neck and head? If so, maybe it can be "sanded" down so it's smoother. Also, what's the antibiotic cream you are using? Neosporin is good, and if you can get Silvadine that would be even better.

 

[Yvonne G]

I used to see this type of injury a lot when I operated a tortoise rescue. Mainly it happened when the animal was trying to climb out of a too small tank, or trying to climb anywhere. He'd get up on the wall with his front legs an his rear legs would lose traction causing him to quickly slide down, with his head still stretched out, and the edge of the carapace behind his neck would slice his neck, just like what we're seeing in your picture.

How to fix it would be give him a larger enclosure so he stops trying to climb out, or set him up in a safe outdoor yard. You can GENTLY sand the front edge of the carapace to blunt it a bit, or cut a strip of masking tape to fold over the edge of the carapace.

Keep the wound covered with a light coating of first aid ointment.