tumor like growth on turtles neck

Question
Mark  I have a large red ear slider that is kept in our backyard pond. We have only one, and had it for about two years.  Recently, we noticed that there are four new baby sliders playing in the pond.  Now there is a large growth on it's neck. It's been there for a few weeks now. It looks swollen, but doesn't seem to bother the slider. She gets around the yard and pond fine, eats well and is playful. She doesn't appear sick or ill.   First, I like to know what the growth may be (tumor?)and will it get worse?  And second, I can't understand how the slider produced young, since we have an enclosed, fenced yard and never had or saw another turtle.  Thanks.

Answer
Remember, I am not a vet. Neck growths are often what are called 'ear abscesses' and are basically pockets of infection. If the turtle is basically living wild, I would monitor it but would not worry about it unless it continues to get bigger. Other turtles should be seen by a vet since the infection is unlikely to clear up otherwise.

As for young, the main options are 'sperm storage'- females can store viable sperm for a few years, a visiting mate, or a pregnant female nesting in the ares. Babies are small enough to slip in through small gaps.

Another possibility is that you fenced in a nest that hatched, possibly late last year (young often go to hibernation shortly after hatching).

Try http://www.redearslider.com or http://www.turtleforum.com for more help.

Good luck!