MARY:

Hi Sam.

My name is Mary; I'm the owner of 4 male redfoot tortoises. They are 24, 23, 23, and 17 years old. We've had them since they were just weeks old. Unfortunately, due to my father-in-law's passing and our jobs that require frequent traveling, we had to send them to a foster home for 4 years. We were finally able to find a house where we could build them a new home, so we picked them up this past Sunday. Sadly, we noticed that the 17-year-old had a really bad neck injury. It looks like a big cut, and the skin is pulled back and loose, exposing his neck muscles.

We cleaned the wound with a chlorhexidine solution and applied triple antibiotic ointment yesterday. It wasn't too bad at the time, but today I noticed that the skin is ripped further which is happening when rubbing the neck against the edge of the shell. The wound is bigger and bleeding.

I cleaned the wound again with chlorhexidine solution and applied triple antibiotic ointment tonight. I've also separated him from the pack to restrain his movement.

I need to take him to a veterinarian that can treat him. Do you have any recommendations for where I can take him tomorrow? 

Would you be able to take care of him?

I really appreciate any help or recommendations.

Thanks.

SAM:

Hi Mary, sorry to hear your bad news 

Where are you located?

unfortunately you probably can close that word because it has been open to long 

I would probably treat it with honey , dont use triple antibiotic.

Chlorhexidine is great you can also use dilute betadine and hydrogen peroxide.

I would back the wound with honey on the inside and place a layer of honey 
soaked gauze and then another layer of gauze which also can help restick the head movement

of the head. antibiotics can also be used, some you can buy over the counter.

I can make a recommendation for a vet when I have your location.

best of luck.