TELE-CONSULTATION with
Dr Sing Kong Yuen, BVMS (Glasgow)
26 November 2025.
A 6.5-year-old male red-eared slider has two bulges in his groins (front of his hind legs meet the plastron) when he is walking on the floor. The bulges disappear when the slider is inside the tank swimming.
The slider is bright, alert and active. He is eating and pooping normally.
The owner does not know how long has this medical condition been present.
Owner asked if they are abscesses or infections.
Video shown.
Differential diagnosis:
1. Abscesses
2. Neoplasia such as lipomas (fatty tumours)
3. Cysts
4. Hernias - inguinal hernias are very rare in sliders.
Tentative diagnosis:
Inguinal hernia. More tests are needed.
Proper veterinary examination at Toa Payoh Vets is needed. The owner will make an appointment.
Updates: https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2025/11/4528-teleconsultation-swelling-in-6.html--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A hernia is a protrusion of internal organs or tissue through a defect or tear in the muscle wall.
An INGUINAL HERNIA is a bulge of internal organs through a defect in the muscle wall of the groin showing a bulge or swelling between the plastron and hip area.
TELE-CONSULTATION VIA WHATSAPP
WITH TOA PAYOH VETS
26 November 2025:
Hello Dr, I have a 6 year old turtle and recently noticed a swelling on the side of its body towards the rear. The turtle is otherwise active and eating normally. I wanted to ask if this could be an abscess or infection and whether I should bring it in for an examination. Please let me know the earliest available appointment. Thank you.
4-SEC VIDEO SENT
Please phone 62543326 now for appointment. How old is it? Male?
Please send another longer close up of swelling
27-SEC VIDEO SENT
Swelling seems to be on both sides
He is male and around 6.5 years
How long has the swellings been present?
Just noticed it today morning
Do you have videos last week when there is no swelling?
No don't really have any recent photos
Do you know whether swellings have been present for some weeks?
No one in my family has noticed it recently
it appears enlarged when he is out of the water. when inside the tank it is barely visible
Please make appointment with vet tomorrow to get it checked. Phone 62543326 at 10am
Ok thanks
DR K Y SING'S COMMENTS:
A
hernia is a protrusion of internal organs or tissue through a defect or
tear in the muscle wall.
- A visible bulge or swelling in the inguinal (groin) area, the region where the hind legs meet the shell (plastron).
- A soft mass that might be more prominent when the turtle is active and potentially less so when resting.
- Pain, lethargy, or a decrease in appetite if organs become trapped or strangulated.
- Difficulty with normal bodily functions such as defecation or movement.
BLOG:
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2025/11/4528-teleconsultation-swelling-in-6.html
--------------------------
Inguinal hernias
are rare in reptiles like the red-eared slider. If you observe a suspicious lump or swelling near the hind limbs or tail, it is a serious medical condition that
requires immediate evaluation by a qualified reptile veterinarian to prevent complications.
Identifying a Potential Hernia
A
hernia is a protrusion of internal organs or tissue through a defect or
tear in the muscle wall. In red-eared sliders, signs of a potential
hernia would include:
- A visible bulge or swelling in the inguinal (groin) area, the region where the hind legs meet the shell (plastron).
- A soft mass that might be more prominent when the turtle is active and potentially less so when resting.
- Pain, lethargy, or a decrease in appetite if organs become trapped or strangulated.
- Difficulty with normal bodily functions such as defecation or movement.
Importance of Veterinary Care
Due
to the unique anatomy of turtles, the protective shell makes both
diagnosis and surgery challenging. Diagnostic tools a veterinarian might
use include physical examination, palpation (feeling the area),
radiographs (X-rays), and ultrasound to determine the contents of the
mass.
If
a hernia is diagnosed, surgery is the typical treatment to prevent
serious complications like a strangulated hernia, where the blood supply
to the tissue is cut off. There are specific surgical techniques for
chelonians, such as the prefemoral approach (an incision in front of the
hind limbs), which require specialized knowledge.
Do not attempt to treat the condition yourself. Use resources like the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) website to find a veterinarian experienced with reptiles.
