Why does my red eared slider turtle have swollen eyes?
Swollen or inflamed eyes may also be associated with traumatic injuries (bite wounds, poking eye on wood), debris under the lid and ear infections (particularly common in American Box Turtles, Terrapene spp.). Further Reading Rating Turtle Filters Water Quality in Turtle Aquariums
When to know if your turtle has an eye infection?
If you notice that your pet has an eye or eyes that are swollen, sunken, crusty, pus under the eyelids or that they have trouble fully opening them, it’s a good indicator that something is not well. A turtle that can’t see won’t eat so it’s important to treat the eye infection or issue as soon as possible.
What to do if your turtle’s eyes are crusted?
In this case, the eyes will look swollen and skin lesions and redness will appear. If the eyes are crusted shut, soak your turtles in warm water at depths of half its body. You can also try using a spray bottle to clear the eye of crust. Depending on the symptoms, you might want to add or subtract a vitamin A supplement from your turtle’s diet.
What happens if you give a turtle too much vitamin A?
Too much vitamin A can also cause eye problems or what is called hypervitaminosis A. In this case, the eyes will look swollen and skin lesions and redness will appear. If the eyes are crusted shut, soak your turtles in warm water at depths of half its body.
Why are the eyes of a turtle so swollen?
Swollen eyes make it hard for the turtle to see or eat. This too can lead to starvation and death. Swollen eyes typically occur with an eye infection, and is an early sign of vitamin A deficiency. First of all, this deficiency causes the Harderian glands to swell up.
If you notice that your pet has an eye or eyes that are swollen, sunken, crusty, pus under the eyelids or that they have trouble fully opening them, it’s a good indicator that something is not well. A turtle that can’t see won’t eat so it’s important to treat the eye infection or issue as soon as possible.
What happens to a turtle’s eyes when left untreated?
When left untreated, the eyelids become so puffy that the affected turtle can no longer open the eyes. At this point, the turtle is practically blind. There are some symptoms of swollen eyes. If you notice any of these symptoms, you may want to get in touch with your veterinarian.
Is it true that turtles have good eyesight?
Turtle Eyes As many turtle keepers know, turtles have good eyesight and turtles are even capable of tracking and snatching quick prey underwater. As well as skillfully maneuvering around objects. However, there is still a lot that most of us don’t know about turtle eyes.
Can a red eared slider open its eyes?
At first, an afflicted turtle may paw at its eyes but otherwise behave normally. In time, swelling will increase and the animal will be unable to open its eyes.
Can a red ear slider turtle be a pet?
Red-eared slider turtles kept as pets should not brumate. Another interesting fact about red-eared slider turtles is the way genders form. The biggest factor that determines whether the baby turtle is a boy or a girl is the temperature within the nest.
When does the red ear slider turtle brumate?
Wild red-eared slider turtles start their brumation period in late autumn, and it usually ends when the temperatures are rising up. Red-eared slider turtles kept as pets should not brumate. Another interesting fact about red-eared slider turtles is the way genders form.
What should I Feed my red eared slider?
Remember that adult red eared sliders are quite herbivorous so if your turtle seems overly hungry, try feeding more leafy greens and plant material rather than aquatic turtle pellets or prey food items. The amount of food you feed depends a bit on your individual turtle.
Why is my red eared slider turtle not eating?
The water temperature must be maintained between 75-85 degreed F. Remember that if the water is too cool, the red-eared slider will not eat food. If the water is too warm, the turtle might get cooked. But if your slider is sick, it should be kept in a slightly warmer temperature.
Are red eared sliders endangered?
Red-eared sliders are not threatened or endangered anywhere. Unfortunately, due to captive pet turtles being released into non-native habitats, these turtles are considered an invasive species in some areas around the country and the world, often out-competing native turtles for resources.
Are red eared slider turtles land or water turtles?
Red eared slider or red ear slider is semi aquatic turtle that resides in areas with fresh, calm and warm water source like ponds, marshes, streams and lakes. There should also be abundant aquatic vegetation, which is the main diet for adult turtle. These reptiles are fast and excellent swimmers.
Can a red eared slider get an eye infection?
Red-eared sliders with Vitamin A deficiencies are also more likely to develop eye infections. A red-eared slider that is dehydrated will have swollen eyes. Remember that your pet loses a lot of water through its eye tissues. If your turtle is healthy, then dehydration shouldn’t be a concern.
What kind of eye disease does a turtle have?
One of the most common turtle conditions are swollen eye lids. The severity of swollen eyelids can range from a slight reddening of the orbital and conjunctiva (around their eyes) glands and a few tears to eyes that are completely swollen shut.
What should I do if my turtle’s eyes are swollen?
If your turtle is already suffering from swollen eyes, then there is little you can do on your own as an average turtle owner. You need to seek the help of a professional reptile vet immediately. The vet will closely examine your turtle and try to find out the root cause of the problem.
What are the symptoms of a respiratory infection in a turtle?
Symptoms include a lack of appetite, lethargy, swelling of the eyelids (often with a pus-like discharge), swelling of the ear (actually an ear abscess) and respiratory infections. In turtles, most respiratory infections are caused by bacteria and are often secondary to Vitamin A deficiency.
What causes an abscess on a turtle’s head?
Abscesses often develop in turtles’ ears, and they appear as large swellings on the sides of the head, just behind the eyes. Abscesses in turtles are often related to vitamin A deficiency.
What kind of health problems do red eared sliders have?
Getty Images/Stacey Udstuen/EyeEm Improper environmental conditions and diet are among the most common culprits when it comes to health problems in red eared sliders. Diseases such as metabolic bone disease (MBD) and vitamin A deficiency are seen in many kinds of reptiles including red eared sliders.
Why does a red ear slider turtle make a hissing noise?
Although, there have been many reports from red-eared slider owners that they often get hissing sounds, but, the fact is, the sounds do not come from their mouth. Turtles do not make noises. Such sounds might often be emitted from the turtles while expelling air from their lungs so that they are able to retreat into their shells.
What kind of PET is red eared slider turtle?
Common Names: Red-eared slider turtle, red-eared slider, red-eared terrapin, red-eared turtle, slider turtle, water slider turtle Red-eared slider turtles are active pets that enjoy swimming and diving.
Swollen or inflamed eyes may also be associated with traumatic injuries (bite wounds, poking eye on wood), debris under the lid and ear infections (particularly common in American Box Turtles, Terrapene spp.). Further Reading Rating Turtle Filters Water Quality in Turtle Aquariums
What do you need to know about red ear sliders?
Finally, red-eared sliders are reptiles, so you will also need to provide them with basking lights, and possibly water heaters, to keep them warm. For many slider keepers, setting up your slider’s housing is one of the most satisfying, and creative, aspects of being a turtle owner.
Although, there have been many reports from red-eared slider owners that they often get hissing sounds, but, the fact is, the sounds do not come from their mouth. Turtles do not make noises. Such sounds might often be emitted from the turtles while expelling air from their lungs so that they are able to retreat into their shells.
Is the red eared slider turtle an invasive species?
Red-Eared Slider Turtle. The Red-Eared Slider, also called the red-eared terrapin, is an American breed of turtles widely spread across the USA, and is quickly becoming an invasive species in many parts of the world. It is also the most popular breed of pet turtle in the US and is widely kept as pet around the world.
What kind of water does a turtle lose?
Turtles lose water through the eye tissue at a rapid rate…at least 2/3 greater than by other forms of diffusion. While dehydration is not usually a concern in healthy turtles, ailing, listless specimens may be at risk. Dehydrated turtles often exhibit swollen eyes.
How can I find out if my turtle has puffy eyes?
Or you can use the find feature and type in some key words for your question to find the answers others have found. For example, if your turtle or tortoise has puffy eyes, type “puffy eyes” into the Find feature on your computer and read the answer. Use the blue form below.
Vitamin A injections and prescription vitamin A drops are usually used to treat swollen eyes. Additionally, the turtle owner needs to improve the turtle’s diet. Because swollen eyes often go hand in hand with eye infections, the vet may also need to treat for bacterial eye infections.
At first, an afflicted turtle may paw at its eyes but otherwise behave normally. In time, swelling will increase and the animal will be unable to open its eyes.
Why does my red eared slider have bladder stones?
Aquatic turtles such as the red-eared slider have several unique problems. Understanding these problems will allow you to better care for your pet and minimize future health care issues. Commonly called bladder stones, these occur when minerals from the diet form crystals, which then form stones. This usually results from improper nutrition.
What kind of diet does a red eared slider have?
Red Eared Sliders, Painted and Map Turtles, Cooters and many others begin life as carnivores but gradually shift to a plant-based diet as they mature.
How old do you have to be to care for a red ear slider turtle?
Warnings Red-eared sliders should not be cared for by any child 10 years old and under, without a parent helping at all times. It is too risky for your child, as well as your turtle. Lift your slider only when necessary. When lifting, place the slider onto your hand so that it won’t be frightened.
What should I do if my red eared slider has an eye infection?
If the condition is advanced, however, or if the turtle has other health problems, Vitamin A injections will be necessary. Please post below if you need help in locating a vet experienced in turtle medicine. Commercial turtle eye washes can be used to flush and moisten eye tissue, but are not effective in supplying Vitamin A. Eye Infections
What kind of filter do you need for red ear slider turtles?
Under-gravel filter: This needs a large surface area. It’s only useful where you have one or two turtles. If it’s air pump powered, it will only be useful for small turtles or hatchlings. Use a powerhead if using the filter with turtles older than hatchlings.
How to treat red ear slider turtle eye infection?
The swollen eyes, the floating and clicking all are symptoms. There is no at home treatment, and this can only get worse. You can treat the eyes with some Saline eye drops without presevatives, as the turtle eye drops are worthless, and this is an infection that will need to be treated with an antibiotic.
What to do if a box turtle’s eyes are swollen?
If the swollen eyes is caused by bacterial infection, then I’ll suggest you try Zoo Med’s Repti Turtle Eye Drops. It helps to clean the turtle’s eyes and prevent various types of eye diseases. These work particularly great with box turtles. However, before applying, you can ask your vet if it would have any side effect or not.
What should I do for my red eared slider turtle?
Good health and a strong immune system will go a long way in helping your turtle fight off harmful micro-organisms. In addition to clean water, always provide heat, UVB exposure and nutrition that are appropriate to the species you keep.
Red Eared Sliders, Painted and Map Turtles, Cooters and many others begin life as carnivores but gradually shift to a plant-based diet as they mature.
How do you care for a red eared slider?
Caring for your red-eared slider requires more than just an aquarium, some water, and some mealworms. It’s important to take into account the unique diet, tank specifications, lighting requirements, and health issues associated with this breed.
Why is my red eared slider not eating?
Do red eared sliders carry diseases?
Improper environmental conditions and diet are among the most common culprits when it comes to health problems in red eared sliders. Diseases such as metabolic bone disease (MBD) and vitamin A deficiency are seen in many kinds of reptiles including red eared sliders.
What should I do if my red ear slider turtle is not eating?
There is no at home treatment, and this can only get worse. You can treat the eyes with some Saline eye drops without presevatives, as the turtle eye drops are worthless, and this is an infection that will need to be treated with an antibiotic. The turtles should have a cuttle bone for calcium. A UVB light is needed.
Why is my red ear slider turtle not eating?
My baby Red Ear Slider turtle is not eating, his eyes are puffed and swollen shut, he opens them, but briefly. he doesn’t like to be in the water, and he floats. this only started about 5 days ago. Hes only a month old. What do I do? Submitted: 8 years ago. Category: Reptile
Can a red eared slider turtle breathe water?
The same applies to your turtle’s tank. Sliders don’t breathe water, but they spend a great deal of time in it and are therefore very susceptible to illness when housed in dirty or too-cold water.
If the swollen eyes is caused by bacterial infection, then I’ll suggest you try Zoo Med’s Repti Turtle Eye Drops. It helps to clean the turtle’s eyes and prevent various types of eye diseases. These work particularly great with box turtles. However, before applying, you can ask your vet if it would have any side effect or not.
Why are the eyes of a red eared slider turtle swollen?
Also, dead cells may start to gather around the eyes of the turtle. In severe cases, the turtle will get blind, so it won’t be able to eat properly. As a result, it will lose weight rapidly. To treat swollen eyes of red-eared sliders, first, you need to find out the cause of the swollen eyes.
If your turtle is already suffering from swollen eyes, then there is little you can do on your own as an average turtle owner. You need to seek the help of a professional reptile vet immediately. The vet will closely examine your turtle and try to find out the root cause of the problem.
What to do about red ear sliders swollen eyes?
To treat swollen eyes of red-eared sliders, first, you need to find out the cause of the swollen eyes. It can be any of the two: vitamin A deficiency or poor water quality. A professional vet can successfully perform diagnosis and find out the root of the problem.
What happens when a turtle’s eyes get Puffy?
The eyelids will seem to be puffier than normal at the beginning stage. The puffiness will get worse with time. In severe cases, the turtle may get blind. You may observe fluids secreting from the eyes of the turtles. Also, dead cells may start to gather around the eyes of the turtle.
What’s the behavior of red ear slider turtles?
Because of this the Red Eared Slider is commonly seem basking under the sun and soaking up the rays as a matter of survival and comfort. It is not unusual to see sliders sitting atop each other as they share a basking spot with their kind or other sorts of semi-aquatic turtles.
If the condition is advanced, however, or if the turtle has other health problems, Vitamin A injections will be necessary. Please post below if you need help in locating a vet experienced in turtle medicine. Commercial turtle eye washes can be used to flush and moisten eye tissue, but are not effective in supplying Vitamin A. Eye Infections
Do you need a tank for a red ear slider turtle?
With the right set-up, red-eared sliders can be pretty easy to take care of. First, you need a tank. Compared to other aquarium creatures, red-eared sliders require a relatively large amount of space.
How does a red ear slider turtle grow?
Semi-aquatic turtles liked red-eared sliders grow by molting. The process involves sloughing off scutes—those scale-like plates on the shell—to accommodate body growth by making way for new, larger scutes. Some pet owners think their turtles are sick when they see the process under way, because it can look as if the turtle’s skin is peeling off.
Semi-aquatic turtles liked red-eared sliders grow by molting. The process involves sloughing off scutes—those scale-like plates on the shell—to accommodate body growth by making way for new, larger scutes. Some pet owners think their turtles are sick when they see the process under way, because it can look as if the turtle’s skin is peeling off.
What should I do if my red ear slider turtle’s skin is peeling?
You may need professional help to remove the remaining portions of skin without hurting your turtle. Your turtle’s shell is likely to be a little soft right after a molt, as the new skin will be hardening. Don’t handle your turtle any more than you need to during this time, and make sure your tank is extra clean to combat bacteria.
Vitamin A injections and prescription vitamin A drops are usually used to treat swollen eyes. Additionally, the turtle owner needs to improve the turtle’s diet. Because swollen eyes often go hand in hand with eye infections, the vet may also need to treat for bacterial eye infections.
What happens if a turtle has an eye infection?
As you can see, an eye infection is a serious health condition that can lead to death when left untreated. Swollen eyes make it hard for the turtle to see or eat. This too can lead to starvation and death. Swollen eyes typically occur with an eye infection, and is an early sign of vitamin A deficiency.
How big of a water tank do I need for a red ear slider turtle?
Set up the tank so there’s a land area and a water area. Put the basking light at one end so the whole tank doesn’t get too hot. You want the water to be about twice as deep as the turtle is long. If the turtle is two inches long, you’ll want four inches of water.
What should I do if my red eared slider turtle is sick?
Keeping your red eared slider’s water clean and at the proper temperature is the simple solution to most illnesses. A high-powered filter rated for double the size of your turtle’s tank is necessary, as sliders are messy eaters and produce a lot of waste.
Why does my turtle have a lump on the side of its head?
If you notice lumps, bumps or swelling under the skin of a turtle, it might be a sign of an abscess. These can occur pretty much anywhere on a turtle. Turtles are susceptible to middle ear infections which can result in an aural abscess that can be seen on the side of their heads.
If you notice lumps, bumps or swelling under the skin of a turtle, it might be a sign of an abscess. These can occur pretty much anywhere on a turtle. Turtles are susceptible to middle ear infections which can result in an aural abscess that can be seen on the side of their heads.
What does fluttering claws signal in red eared slider turtles?
When the female turtle catches sight of this and is amenable to the invitation, they drop to the aquatic floor. At this point, the pair are ready to mate and fertilize. If a female is put off by all the fluttering, however, she may respond aggressively.
What happens if a turtle has an ear abscess?
Other an obvious bulge behind the eyes, clinical signs of turtle ear abscesses include eyes that are swollen shut, an unwillingness to eat, and swimming and orientation problems. Your turtle may also have respiratory problems (e.g., nasal discharge, gurgling sounds) if the ear abscess is due to a vitamin A deficiency.
To treat swollen eyes of red-eared sliders, first, you need to find out the cause of the swollen eyes. It can be any of the two: vitamin A deficiency or poor water quality. A professional vet can successfully perform diagnosis and find out the root of the problem.
Why does my red ear slider turtle have swollen eyes?
One of my red eared slider turtle has swollen eyes, I found out a few hours ago. My other turtle was fine! They lived in the same tank. I also found out the filter was unplugged for a day, I’m not sure if that was the cause of the problem.
There is no at home treatment, and this can only get worse. You can treat the eyes with some Saline eye drops without presevatives, as the turtle eye drops are worthless, and this is an infection that will need to be treated with an antibiotic. The turtles should have a cuttle bone for calcium. A UVB light is needed.
