Swollen foot on my baby Murray turtle

Question
Hi there,
My turtle has a swollen back foot. I can't seam to see his nails, but maybe because his little toes are swollen.
He is housed in a 6ft tank with two other slightly older turtles. I'm wondering if the other turtles had bitten him and it's become swollen, or if its an infection? I called the vet to get a quote this morning. But the consultation alone is $80. I'm hoping maybe I can help treat him myself or to take him to the vets. Moneys tight at the moment, and I cAnt see my partner being happy about paying a few hundred to fix it. Please let me know your thoughts on what I should do, and what it is wrong with him.
Thank you so much.

Answer
Hi Kat,

Unfortunately swelling like that is indicative of a pretty serious infection, possibly septicemia, and I don't think you can avoid going to the vet.  Is your turtle still active and eating?  Any signs of pink on the shell (especially the plastron; it might look like bleeding under the surface of the shell)?  

For now, I would dry dock the turtle in a separate box (you can use old towels for bedding/hide area) with a basking light.  If it does happen to be a localized infection, keeping it dry and slightly warmer than usual won't hurt.  I wish I could tell you this is something to treat at home, but I really do think you need to consult the vet. Sorry!