Aural abscess in a river cooter (Pseudemys concinna)

A 3-year-old, captive female river cooter was presented with a 4-day history of progressive unilateral swelling of the right side of the head, lethargy, and anorexia. History, physical examination, and radiographic examination revealed an aural abscess. After administration of antibiotics and supportive care, surgical intervention was performed. Swab samples were collected from the tympanic cavity during surgery for cytology and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Molecular analyses of 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences identified Citrobacter spp. and Morganella morganii. The patient was treated with ciprofloxacin and meloxicam and recovered after 2 months. This report describes the successful correction of a unilateral aural abscess that responded well to surgical intervention and a properly selected antibiotic.