Four years ago, shortly after he was acquired, the western painted developed an abscess between a vertebral and two costal scutes, manifested as a lifting of the scute corner as he dried-off while basking. Our local reptile veterinarian discovered the abscess and prescribed antibiotics. Untreated, the infection could have spread. After being in water, his wound was washed with Nolvasan disinfectant and fresh antibiotic ointment was applied. As the infection cleared and dead tissue sloughed off, white bone became visible underneath.
Chelonians are notoriously slow to develop problems and equally slow to heal.
The veterinarian felt that a fiberglass and epoxy patch was necessary to protect the area, because it would be years before the shell healed completely. There was nothing to lose and much to gain, so he applied the patch and we all hoped for the best. As the turtle was returned to his element, his delight was unmistakable. He swam, basked, ate and grew as if making up for lost time. Each year for 3 years, the patch fell off as the turtle continued to grow.