Terrible Turtle Trouble

The last time I treated a turtle was in the summer of 98’ when I lived in a unique home located in Hingham, Massachusetts. My roommates included a 15 foot Burmese python, 4 turtles, a great horned owl, one baby raccoon, 20 baby starlings, 1 baby gopher and 2 baby squirrels. Oh – and 2 humans.

The three of us humans took turns medicating and feeding the plethora of creatures. I had the am shift and settled into a specific routine: First, I would give the turtles their daily injection. Then I’d let “Monty” (the python) out of his enclosure and let him follow me into the kitchen. I cooked my oatmeal on the stovetop while Monty explored the kitchen floor. While the oatmeal was cooking, I would take the opportunity to sit on his back and quickly give him his injection – a far more challenging endeavor than the turtles! He’d get mad, but eventually settle down as I ate my oatmeal. (And yes, I washed my hands first!)

Fast forward to this summer – Monday July 27^th. A friend of mine found a turtle in the road (most likely hit by a car) his shell was cracked and he was in pretty rough shape. The first thing I did was clean the wounds with sterile saline. I was mostly finished when he reacted strongly to a particular spot. I decided to give him pain meds before proceeding any further.

I got my injection ready and began pulling out his front arm – just like I did everyday at my internship. What I didn’t expect was his response. I felt a searing pain in my thumb and realized he just latched on with some VERY strong (and sharp!) jaws. The more I tried to get my hand away, the harder he sunk into my flesh – it was excruciating! I sat on my laundry room floor calculating my options – I was nowhere near my cell phone so I’d have to wait about three hours before my husband came home. Option 2: I could just suck it up and let him have that piece of thumb and be done with it, or Option 3: I could try to figure out a way to get him to release.

That’s when it dawned on me that I still had a syringe ½ filled with saline. I started squirting it into his mouth, and Praise God, he let go!!!

The next day he went to the avian and exotic animal specialist. She repaired his shell with screws and wire – pretty cool. I’m happy to say he is now in the very capable hands of Marty: Indianaturtlecare.com – the most wonderful turtle rehabber.  She sent me a few photos of him and thankfully,  all of her fingers are still intact.

Yay for another happy ending!