Why is my tortoise one eye closed?
If one eye is completely closed, even when the tortoise is warm and awake, it must be opened to assess whether there is a problem underneath. It may be possible to do this by softening the lids with warm boiled water. This can also be used for easing the eyelids open if they are sticky after hibernation.
How do you give a tortoise vitamin A?
Generally, young turtles require more insects and animal proteins to support growth and development. Omnivores turtles also need chopped vegetable salads that are rich in Vitamin A, such as winter squash, sweet potatoes, red peppers, and parsnips. These veggies can be added to dark leafy greens for a good balance.
Can a tortoise shell heal?
Since tortoise and turtle shells are made of living, organic, natural materials, they have the ability to heal on their own. Just as your broken arm will slowly knit itself back together, a tortoise shell can heal on its own.
What kind of vitamins do tortoises need?
On balance, the safest and most effective calcium supplements for routine use with captive tortoises would appear to be a calcium carbonate based, phosphorus-free ground calcium powder. preferably of commercial quality, either with or without added vitamin D3.
Why are my turtles eyes swollen?
Symptoms. Cloudiness in one or both of your turtle’s eyes, excessive discharge or swollen eyelids are all signs of possible illness and/or vitamin deficiency. A turtle whose eyes are swollen shut might have an infection or ear abscess that needs to be addressed right away.
Why does my tortoise have a swollen eye?
If there are signs like a swollen lid or one eye is closed, it is likely to be because of a scratch or possibly a small burn if there is a heat lamp in the habitat. If the tortoise is out in the garden, it could be a sting or a thorn has affected the eye.
What to do if a tortoise has puffy eyes?
My 3 year old Horsfield Barry has been suffering with puffy eyes since late April. Originally they were just puffy, he was obviously irritated as he would rub with front legs, but he continued to eat and I wiped them each day with cooled boiled water. After a week I took him to my reptile vet – ex vet from Twycross zoo who keeps tortoises himself.
When to take a tortoise to the vet?
Drops or ointments for humans can be used as a short term measure to make the tortoise or turtle more comfortable, but they should be taken to the vet as soon as it is convenient. If your tortoise wakes from hibernation with an eye problem, look for any foreign bodies which may have got into its eye from the bedding.
What kind of tear duct does a tortoise have?
Turtles and tortoises have no tear duct to drain away the tears as most other animals do, so any secretions which bathe the eye must spill down the face and in reasonable quantities this is perfectly normal.
If there are signs like a swollen lid or one eye is closed, it is likely to be because of a scratch or possibly a small burn if there is a heat lamp in the habitat. If the tortoise is out in the garden, it could be a sting or a thorn has affected the eye.
What should I do if my tortoise has an eye infection?
The tortoise should be treated by a competent veterinarian immediately. Back to Top Eye infections:Infections usually respond to treatment with either Genoptic (gentamycin) eye drops or terracortril eye suspension. Mild cases respond to Neomycin or Chloramphenicol eye ointment.
Can a tortoise have an ear abscess?
It’s quite common for pet tortoises to have eye problems, although as responsible owners we should try to prevent this as far as we possibly can. Tortoises are known to suffer from eye swelling if there is a problem with their environment. They are also prone to ear abscesses, which can also lead to their eyes swelling.
Why does my tortoise not keep its eyes open?
If the symptom is associated with the fact that they cannot keep their eyes open, then this again might be because the air is either too humid or too dry. If your tortoise’s eyes appear swollen, then this might signal the fact that they are dehydrated.
