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Posted by bloomindaedalus on May 02, 2003 at 11:58:11:
In Reply to: baby painted missing front leg posted by keogh on April 29, 2003 at 19:05:58:
Can you get us a pic? Does the leg look to have new skin grown on it or is it covered with pus or a white flaky substance? Is there any visible bleeding? It may have trouble swimming so i'd keep it in a "tilt tank": basicaly get a small aquarium or plastic storange box and elevate one side from underneath with a board or brick. Try to get a slope near 30 degrees (the angle of inclination from the floor) and fill with warm (80 F) water. Put in only enough water to allow for one section to be completely dry. This way the turtle can eaily get to a shallow place if it doesn't swim well. Focus a good warm basking light near (but not directly at) the driest spot. Change water frequently as this will help prevent infection. The animal may eventually need a vet to administer antibiotics if there is infection. Gentle swabbing with nolvasan or betadine near and on the stump won't hurt either.
Try a variety of foods (live bloodworms, live blackworms, live or cooked shrimp, small crickets, waxworms, red wiggler worms, bits of tuna or rinsed sardines, tiny pieces of cooked chicken) but keep the water very clean. Probably a morning and evenng complete water change will be in order for at least a week. Good luck keep us updated.
