Abscesses of the ear are most often seen in box turtles, aquatic, and semi-aquatic turtles particularly red-eared sliders. While many factors contribute to this condition, it is believed to be primarily nutritional in origin – specifically vitamin A deficiency.
The most notable symptom is swelling on one or both sides of the head. Asymmetry of the head is prominent when only one side is involved. The turtle may tilt their head to one side due to pain. Patients may have a decreased or absent appetite.
As this condition is often the result of vitamin A deficiency additional symptoms may be seen associated with this which include swelling of the eyelids or conjunctiva, closed eyes, vision problems, and nasal discharge. Some turtles may develop overly thickened skin that may blister or form sores. Symptoms of pneumonia may also be present including depression and difficulty breathing.
Other causes include bruising from trauma, bacterial infection, parasites within the skin, cysts, and tumors.
Presumptive diagnosis is most often made during physical examination. Determination of the underlying cause may involve microscopic examination of the discharge within the abscess and bacterial culture. X-rays may be recommended to evaluate for involvement of the nearby bone.
Surgical removal of the thick, cheese-like abscess material inside the ear is necessary to resolve the abscess. This procedure is painful and should always be performed by a veterinarian utilizing pain medications and sedation. Antibiotics are prescribed to prevent development of secondary infection and the wound will need daily flushing with a diluted iodine solution. Pain medications will also be sent home.
As the majority of these are caused by nutritional issues, specifically vitamin A deficiency, appropriate dietary improvement and supplementation is necessary to prevent recurrence of the abscess. Aquatic turtles should be transitioned to a high-quality turtle pellet that contains pre-formed vitamin A. Recommended brands include Zoo Med and Mazuri. Tetra ReptoMin and Wardley brand pellets should be avoided due to insufficient vitamin A levels. Box turtles should be fed a species-specific diet of insects, worms, snails, and vegetables with occasional fruits supplemented with a multivitamin containing pre-formed vitamin A, such as Zoo Med’s Reptivite. In some cases, your veterinarian may give a booster injection of vitamin A.
It is also important that turtles be provided basking heat with a proper temperature gradient and clean, filtered water.
A recheck in 5-7 days is recommended to ensure the surgical site is healing properly. Additional rechecks will depend on the patient’s progress.
Prognosis is generally good depending on the severity of the disease, all clinical signs related to hypovitaminosis A generally resolve within 2 to 6 weeks. Reoccurrence can happen when vitamin A deficiency is not addressed, the granuloma is not completely removed, or when bony infection is present.
The prognosis is less favorable if infection of the surrounding bone is present.
Long-term hearing and balance may be affected. However, how this may impact a turtle’s quality of life is hard to say.
Copyright © All Rights Reserved
