|
Abcesses in chelonians are localized infections
usually occurring in conjunction with another systemic infection.
Generally they are made of hard caseous lumps containing cheesy
yellow/white pus. Normally, abscesses do not respond well to systemic
antibiotics alone and require a surgical incision to remove the pus or
fluid. The ear is the most common site for abscesses to occur, but can
be found in the legs, mouth and other body parts. The following is a
reference only and not intended to be an account of how to do it
yourself. It does go into detail on what needs to be done to eradicate
abscesses, how to determine if the animal has one, and is strictly based
on the authors experience with abcesses as a trained rehabilitator.
Under no circumstance should one take this information and attempt to do
the procedures described because an incision is made into a live animal,
through skin and muscular tissue. There is risk involved in performing
these procedures, such as cutting tendons and joints, thus creating a
much larger problem than it was in the first place. Treating abcesses
should be done in a sterile environment, with sterile instruments and
should only be done by trained individuals; preferably a veterinarian.
As stated above, abcesses are localized infections
occurring in conjunction with systemic infections. The site of the
abscess may have noticeable swelling , or may be hidden in underlying
tissue without any noticeable change on the exterior. Often times,
though, there is slight swelling at the site which seeps
yellowish/whitish liquid and this can form a crust. As the infection
worsens, the site will begin to stretch over the underlying swelling
producing a profound lump.
Ear Abcess in
Three-toed Box Turtle
Ear abcesses are most common among the North American
box turtles. They can be caused by keeping the animal in conditions that
are too hot and dry. Aquatic turtles can also get ear abcesses, but the
cause is often because the animal is kept in poor water conditions. An
abcess can occur as the result of bacteria entering a wound, where then
it can proliferate. Animals under stress have a weakened immune systems
and are not able to fight off infection and thus the bacteria
proliferate to the point of causing illness.
Abscesses which occur in the fleshy tissue can be
lanced and the caseous material removed. The preceding photographs show
the process of removing the caseous material from an ear.
The incision is made
Contents removed with
cotton swabs.
Contents of Abscess
Once the caseous pus has been removed from the site,
effort should be made to keep the site opened. This will allow for daily
irrigations and treatment with topical antibiotics. Treatment with
systemic antibiotics should also begin. It is not uncommon for more pus
to form shortly after the initial treatment. It is most likely to occur
if the site is allowed to close. If this happens, then the above
procedure will have to be done over. Failure to treat with antibiotics
can result in a worsening infection; especially if the site is not
cleaned thoroughly and kept clean.
Sometimes when opening the abscess site, the
veterinarian, may find that the caseous material has not consolidated
and fluid drains from the site. Antibiotics should still be initiated as
it will reduce the blood flow to the abscess allowing for consolidation,
at which time removal of the entire contents of the abscess is easily
done. In the experience of the author, it is best to allow for the
consolidation of the abscess as this will allow for full removal of the
caseous pus and hasten the recovery.
Back to Top
Copyright 2001
Debbie Zajchowski
MTR, Inc. is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. Federal
Tax ID: 04-3564670
|
