Illness/Sickness: Odd bulge on Tiger Salamander?

[frogbody]

Apologies for any typos, I'm on mobile and very upset/shaky right now.
I was doing some weekly maintenance on my tiger salamanders tank, making sure theres no fecal matter laying around that I've missed in casual spot cleaning, moistening substrate etc.
I was moving him from his temporary critter keeper back to his home when I felt something odd on his abdomen. I took him into the light to get a better look, and noticed a large? Knot? On the side of his body, with some of his skin split over it. I've kept salamanders and amphibians in general for many years, and I've never encountered this? I've tried looking around on the internet and hoping to get an inkling on what the problem is with no luck, here's a picture.

Other than the obvious problem going on here, Gelato seems completely normal. No lethargy, very active and searching for food in his wiggly way. He didn't even show any signs of discomfort when I felt the edge of this... Lump.
Has anyone seen this before? Is it a tumor? Impaction? The soonest I can get him to a vet is tomorrow, if I can even find one who works with amphibians, and I'm at a loss as to what I can do to help him in the meantime.

 

[Bellabelloo]

I'm not sure what is wrong with Gelato, but feel he would be best seen by a vet .
In the meantime, maybe keep him on moist paper towels with some where to hide under. Please do keep us updated with how this little guy is doing.

 

[danicc]

It does look like is a bit ulcerated. Perhaps is a bit infected. I also would suggest to see a local exotic experienced vet.
Best wishes, Dan

 

[frogbody]

I live in a very rural area, and the two local vets around have smallish clinics that basically only take cats and dogs.
I spent all day yesterday searching for the nearest exotic vet, and finally found one that sees amphibians a few hours away. I called and was able to set up an appointment for today.
Gelato continues to act normal, which gives me hope that this is something benign and simpler to take care of than where my mind went when I first found it. Now my biggest concern is making sure he's as comfortable as possible for the longish trip ahead.
Wish me and the little guy lots of luck! I'll be sure to update immediately after his visit.

 

[jewett]

Good for you to take Gelato to a vet, even if it means driving a fair distance! Not that it matters now since you are seeking the advice of a vet, but it almost looks to me to be a cuterebra (bot fly) wound. I think some species of bot fly parasitize reptiles but I don't know about amphibians.

Anyway, best of luck and I will be looking for the update!

HJ

 

[frogbody]

I meant to update earlier, but life has been busy (even without the vet visit thrown in).
A cytology was preformed and his lump was determined to be an abscess due to infection from the wound (though where he got the wound from in the first place I have... No idea).
He will be given an oral antibiotic once daily and a diluted topical antibiotic applied liberally to the site twice daily. I've scheduled another appointment for Monday of next week as well to be sure of his progress.
The emergency visit was $177 and as a poor student I can honestly say that I have never been so relieved and happy to spend over a hundred bucks. :grin: