Cut not healing

Question
Hi,
I have two Russian Tortoise that are about 3 years old. Recently the smaller one received a cut on it's cheek which I think was from the older ones claw whilst scrambling about in their box. I bathed it in clean water and let it soak for 5 minutes and it seemed to be healing after a couple of days. Two weeks later it has swollen up and looks like a growth. Could it be infected? What can I do to help. It is eating and feeding ok.
Thanks.

Answer
Hi Suzane, It certainly sounds like it could be infected. Reptile pus forms as a soft, semi-solid rather then as a liquid as it does in mammals and birds. Abscesses tend to form hard lumps that can look very much like tumours or growths as a result. Unfortunately, this also means they often don't tend to drain and resolve on their own or without veterinary intervention. It should just involve a local anethstetic and lancing but without it the pressure can build up to the point where the infection spreads or tissue and even bone damage can occur.
Turtles and tortoises are also prone to ear infections which involves similar collections of solid pus becoming trapped behind their ear drum. The ear drum on tortoises is at the surface and is that circular scale just behind the eye and above the mouthline (around the "cheek" area as well)