Why is my turtle swollen?

The swelling is caused by exudates/pus that forms within the ear canal pushing on the skin. Often these pet turtles have stopped eating and feel some discomfort. The main causes of aural abscesses are not completely understood, but in almost 90% of the cases they are related to poor husbandry conditions.

What should I feed my box turtle?

Acceptable vegetables that should represent a high percentage of the box turtle’s diet include collard greens, beet greens, mustard greens, broccoli, turnip greens, alfalfa hay, bok choy, kale, parsley, Swiss chard, watercress, clover, red or green cabbage, savory, cilantro, kohlrabi, bell peppers, green beans.

What does turtle feces look like?

The color, consistency, and volume of the feces will vary depending on what the tortoise is ingesting. But for the most part, the feces will be brown or greenish-brown. A healthy turtle/tortoise produces quite firm, well-formed feces.

What kind of disease does a box turtle have?

Symptoms include a lack of appetite, lethargy, swelling of the eyelids (often with a pus-like discharge), swelling of the ear (due to the formation of an ear abscess), kidney failure, and respiratory infections. “In turtles, most respiratory infections are caused by bacteria and are often secondary to vitamin A deficiency.”

What to do if your turtle’s eyes are Puffy?

If you notice any of these symptoms, you may want to get in touch with your veterinarian. Eyes may appear puffier than it usually is. The conjunctiva and tear-secreting glands redden in color.

What kind of problems does a pet turtle have?

The two main eye problems pet turtles suffer are eye infections and swollen eyes. When left untreated eye infections can lead to respiratory tract infection as the bacteria causing the eye infection can easily move to the nasal passages. Respiratory tract infection can lead to death.

How can I tell if my box turtle is sick?

Gastrointestinal parasites, such as roundworms, are common in pet turtles. In many cases, parasitic infections do not cause any clinical signs; they are detected on a routine fecal examination. With severe infection, parasites may cause diarrhea or weight loss and may require treatment. How can I tell if my turtle is sick?

Why does my box turtle have puffy eyes?

In terrestrial box turtles, eye problems can be caused by low humidity. Use spagnum moss and potted plants and mist daily to prevent problems associated by dry air. When eye puffiness has appeared, misting 2 or 3 times a day may help clear it up.

When do box turtles come out of the shell?

They burrow deep under the soil and leaves, sometime in October, and usually emerge in April or early May. >> When disturbed or frightened, most box turtles will pull in their head and legs and tightly close the shell, remaining hidden until the threat of danger is past. The shell is extremely tough and almost impossible to pry open when closed.

How did the eastern box turtle get killed?

Many box turtles are killed as they cross highways. Dogs sometimes catch box turtles and chew their shells, resulting in injury and eventual death to the turtle. Many are also hit by lawn mowers as the turtles hide in tall grass and weeds.

What can I do for my box turtle’s eyes?

Use spagnum moss and potted plants and mist daily to prevent problems associated by dry air. When eye puffiness has appeared, misting 2 or 3 times a day may help clear it up. Soak your box turtle in clean, tepid water every day.

Do turtle eye drops work?

5.0 out of 5 stars It really works…. No more puffy eyes. I made the mistake of soaking a store bought rock in a bleach and water solution before adding it to my turtle tank.

Can I use Neosporin on a turtle?

You can also wrap the turtle with sterile gauze to help stabilize any broken shell pieces that may be present. Neosporin/triple antibiotic ointment can be placed on minor open wounds to help kill bacteria, and to help prevent any gauze from sticking to the wounds.