Black swollen nostril ??

[jkidner]

This spot started off white and a bit swollen and we put some antibiotic ointment on it hoping it would get better. It's been a few days and has turned black and gotten slightly bigger. Anyone know what it is and how to treat it myself?

 

[KLowery88]

Definitely looks like some sort of infection... It could be from the nostril or even inside the mouth that then spread to the nostril. I would say a vet visit is necessary or otherwise it's just going to keep spreading.They'll be able to get you much better medicine and give you an idea of what is actually going on.

 

[jkidner]

Was hoping to avoid that as I know the visit will cost more than I paid for him but he's worth it. Def. Started at his nostril and spread from there. Would it hurt to keep putting antibiotic ointment on it?

 

[MoyaChan]

I'm sorry but that looks horrible, I'd definitely take him to the vet. I know it's a lot of money, but the sooner the better.

 

[KLowery88]

I've seen some people on this forum recommend Neosporin, make sure to get the version without pain relief. I doubt it would hurt, but at this point it probably isn't going to do a terrible amount of good.

Exotic vet visits are expensive, I had to take two animals last month so I definitely know that, but this calls for a trip. Better to start treating as soon as possible.

 

[ChamDE86]

That looks to be beyond any neopsporin treatment. I would definitely take him to the vet, especially since it has grown larger. You don't want it spreading any further than it already has.

 

[jkidner]

Only a couple of days ago it didn't look bad, no black in it, it just looked like the skin was kind of bleached in that spot. I'll be taking him in hopefully today or tomorrow

 

[jajeanpierre]

I've seen some people on this forum recommend Neosporin, make sure to get the version without pain relief. I doubt it would hurt, but at this point it probably isn't going to do a terrible amount of good.

Exotic vet visits are expensive, I had to take two animals last month so I definitely know that, but this calls for a trip. Better to start treating as soon as possible.

Not all vets who treat reptiles are expensive! It usually depends on the demand--big cities with lots of reptiles, few reptile vets plus lots of fairly well-off clients are the ingredients that will result in a high fee. Economics 101.

 

[KLowery88]

Not all vets who treat reptiles are expensive! It usually depends on the demand--big cities with lots of reptiles, few reptile vets plus lots of fairly well-off clients are the ingredients that will result in a high fee. Economics 101.

That is a good point. I should have clarified. In my experience exotic vets are more expensive in comparison to your typical cat/dog vet, but vet rates in general will depend on where you live.

 

[jajeanpierre]

That is a good point. I should have clarified. In my experience exotic vets are more expensive in comparison to your typical cat/dog vet, but vet rates in general will depend on where you live.

My reptile vet has lots of training in birds as well, but there aren't enough clients in the city I live near to only treat exotics. Her bread and butter is her dog and cat clientele. I pay the the same office visit fee as a dog office visit.

 

[KLowery88]

My reptile vet has lots of training in birds as well, but there aren't enough clients in the city I live near to only treat exotics. Her bread and butter is her dog and cat clientele. I pay the the same office visit fee as a dog office visit.

There's a similar situation where I live. There is one dedicated avian and exotics vet that I was taking my reptiles to previously that charged more than the vet office that I heard about my rescue chameleon through.

The new office also sees dogs and cats and the vet is actually even more experienced in reptile care. $55 for a base visit is a lot better than what I was paying at the dedicated exotic vet.