What to do if I find an injured turtle with a fishing hook in it?

He should be examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles. If your vet is unavailable, have him seen at the nearest veterinary ER. The wounds should be assessed and treated as indicated. Antibiotics and pain management will likely be indicated. Secure the tank to prevent incursions by predators or scavengers.

Thanks for reaching out about your turtle. Unfortunately, the pictures are too dark to determine a lesion. A veterinary visit would work the best but if none available you could try applying a topical antibiotics ointment. A petroleum based product will adhere better in water but is still likely to wash off. Keep water quality as pristine as possible. Systemic antibiotics (injections) would improve chance of success. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Charlie and including a photo. Sorry for the situation. A veterinary visit is a must. Open wounds need to be cleaned and closed. Antibiotics and analgesics are recommended. Concerns would be he was chewed on by something, so outdoor time should be limited to daytime only. No access to dirt to decrease potential of further infection. Clean now by soaking in warm tap water. See a veterinarian, ASAP. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Timmy and including photos. This appears to be a wound, but unable to determine more by the photos. Yes, I treat reptiles and tortoises, but you need to find someone in your location. You can try the website of ARAV.org for a possible risk of reptile veterinarians. Good luck.

Contact your veterinary clinic. They can provide information regarding any local wildlife rehabilitators. The duckling can be care for until it recovers. This will give it the best chance at eventual release back into the wild.

Thanks for reaching out about your turtle. Removed from the water to a dry enclosure with a warm towel, to prevent drowning. A veterinary visit this morning is highly recommended, as the high water temperatures have probably caused some internal thermal damage, maybe brain swelling. Anti-inflammatories and possible medications to decrease brain swelling. This is an emergency by your description. Good luck.

Without seeing the injury it's difficult to know how urgently this needs veterinary attention, but it's always best to have a veterinarian evaluate the injury to ensure adequate healing and prevention of infection. For now, it's important to keep the wound clean. Flush the wound with clean water for five minutes twice a day. This may take two people: One to hold the flipper out, while the other flushes the wound with a syringe or other device that good pressure can be applied. It's also very important to ensure the water in the turtle's tank is kept extra clean while the wound is healing. Your vet will be able to offer more advice when they see the injury. I hope that helps and Lebron gets better soon.