Please can you advise me on the best treatment for an ear infection that is just starting in my Med Spur-Thighed tortoise. Harriet is 60+ and at the end of last week we noticed her right ear hole was open and was running a clear liquid. (She is fine in every other respect.) We took her staight to the vet, who was totally stumped as to what to prescibe. In the end she gave us Ronaxan 20mg tablets which we have to crush to a very fine powder, mix with a drop of water and paint on the ear with a cotton bud, for the next 10 days. I'm not convinced that this is the best course of action and would very much appreciate your opinion. 

Harriet had and ear infection about 10-12 years ago and our vet (now retired) prescibed an antibiotic cream which did the trick, but I can't remember what it was called.

I would be so grateful if you could give me some idea of the correct treatment and what would be best to ask the vet to prescribe.

Many many thanks

Gill Bird

Hi Gill, the best thing you can do is take her to a tortoise specialist vet, we have a list in the left column under 'vets and health issues', they are few and far between so you may have to travel.

Regarding the anti biotic the usual on vets prescribe is baytril.  But best to be advised by the vet, and best to get it cleared up, you dont want to end up with an abcess.

Regards Vivienne

Thankyou Vivienne - I've looked at the list and there are a couple of specialist vets within striking distance so we'll give them a ring and get Harriet seen as soon as poss. 

Thanks so much for your advise.

Regards Gill