Blue Ridge Wildlife Center Patient of the Week: Woodland Box Turtle

Check out these aural abscesses!

Approximately 8% of our box turtle patients come to the Center with these ear abscesses. An aural abscess in a box turtle is an infection that occurs in the turtle’s ear (or in this case, both ears), leading to the formation of an abscess (the accumulation of pus in the middle ear), which causes swelling, pain, and discomfort for the turtle.

In captivity, we know that a lack of dietary vitamin A is the most common cause. In the wild, organochlorine pesticides in their environment can change the way these turtles metabolize vitamin A, leading to a functional lack of the vitamin. This creates abnormalities in the lining of the ear that predisposes these turtles to developing these abscesses.

Aural abscesses must be surgically removed as reptiles do not have “drainable” liquid pus like mammals, but rather solid material. You can see two of our current veterinary students, Alexandra and Josie, working to carefully remove the abscessed material.

Once the abscess is removed, the cavity is flushed, and the area is left open to heal. Left untreated, these abscesses are incredibly painful and uncomfortable, can prevent the turtle from eating properly, and can lead to secondary infections and even death.

If you see turtles with swellings on one or both sides of the head, even if they are not as severe as this patient’s, please get them to a rehabilitator for care!

Do you love turtles? Do you want to learn about multiple native Virginia species? Join us for TURTLE TAKEOVER on Thursday, July 25th, at 2:00pm.

Proceeds will specifically benefit Freddy Cooter, our Northern Red-Bellied Cooter, who needs a habitat makeover!