lump in turtles throat

Question
I have a painter turtle who in the last week has developed a large lump in his throat, so big that it looks like he can't pull his head all the way into his shell because the lump hangs out and over the bottom of his shell.  Do you have any idea what this could be or from?  Thank you

Answer
I am not a vet, but most throat lumps like that are called ear abscesses and need a vet's care. They need to be surgically opened, drained, packed, and treated with the proper antibiotics.

You can try for a second opinion at a good forum like http://www.turtleforum.com if you wish.

Good luck!