Necrotic wound in tortoise

Re: Necrotic wound in tortoise

Rob Davis — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:49:18 GMT

Mark, as always, many thanks for that, I am really greatful for your help.

Re: Necrotic wound in tortoise

Mark Rowland — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 21:06:10 GMT

Ok well I dont have the benefit of assessing if this tissue is devitalised by direct examination, but...

It appears as though there is a line here demrcating devitalised tissue. Distal to the line the area looks pretty necrotic. Another line showing this demarcation can be seen here

On the radiograph of the affected limb there appears to be an area where the bone looks more lucent here:

and on the opposite hindlimb there is a bony swelling indicating an old injury or possibly an osteomyelytic lesion.

Leaving a nidus on infection in this tortoise may be dangerous. Reptiles are really good at haematogenous spread of infection. Based on what I can see I would amputate.

Goodluck (come to my all day cpd if you want educating ;-))

Re: Necrotic wound in tortoise

Rob Davis — Thu, 09 Aug 2012 11:42:51 GMT

Hi Mark, what is making you feel this needs amputation (not in any way criticising, just wanting to learn!)?

Re: Necrotic wound in tortoise

Mark Rowland — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:35:42 GMT

Hello,

Partial amputation of rh is required, probably mid tib/fib or at stifle. There is also a lesion in the opposite fibula, possibly an old fracture but I would be looking at periodic radiography of all 4 limbs to make sure there is no haematogenous osteomyelitis developing. Antibiotics for at least a month , analgesics also. No hibernation this year.

Goodluck

Re: Necrotic wound in tortoise

Rob Davis — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:02:19 GMT

I've just seen the tortoise again. The wound appears less smelly, and there are no more maggots appearing. I have taken the following photos today:

There is also a slightly pink area on the side of the tail closest to the affected leg:

I have taken a couple of conscious x-rays (sorry, I know they don't look brilliant on here!) . I couldn't see anything obvious, but I'm happy to stand corrected if anyone disagrees.

Any thoughts at this stage? How long should I keep up oral antibiotics (I'm guessing this is going to take a LONG time to heal if it will do so).

Re: Necrotic wound in tortoise

Mark Hedberg — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 00:52:10 GMT

My maggot record was 30; the tort had disappeared for some days, unknown trauma. I guess what i mean to say is that i would be very suspicious and keep an eye out for more maggots!

Re: Necrotic wound in tortoise

Mark Rowland — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 20:30:53 GMT

Hi Rob Evaluation under sedation is required, this will allow you to examine the depth and tissue damage and perform radiography of the limb to check for extent to the bones. If amputation is required a support may be necessary. Post a pic. I keep a large selection of wheels for different sized torts and will happily send you 1 of appropriate size to epoxy on. Fluids, pain relief, antibiotics, bloods to check for underlying pathology to see if there is a reason this tort let itself get fly blown. Goodluck There are no dim questions:-)