Accepted Answer

Hello,

I'm sorry to hear your tarantula is having this problem. From your description, it does sound like it could be an abscess. However, a parasite or an internal injury could also be responsible for what you see. Whatever you do, don't puncture it to try to drain it. That is likely to result in your tarantula bleeding to death. You can put a thin coating of antibiotic ointment on the area, but to be honest, it probably won't help. Tarantula medical care isn't very advanced, so there isn't a lot you can do. If you want to take her to an exotic animal vet, he/she may be able to treat the problem, but it's likely to be risky. If the tarantula is not acting well, it may be worth the risk. At the following site, you can read about how a large zoo specimen is being treated by a vet for a abscess:

http://www.arachnophiliac.info/burrow/news/sick_tarantula.htm

If you need help finding an exotics vet, give me your city (nearest larger town if you live in a small one) and state in a REPLY, and I'll locate one. Also click reply if you have more questions. There's no additional charge for such follow-up questions. I'm sorry that there isn't more you can do at home, but this isn't the kind of situation where home remedies work.

Anna

Expert:	Anna
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	9/12/2008

Pet Expert/Biologist

40 yrs.: herps, pocket pets, rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses. Biology degree. Volunteer vet assistant