My red ear slider's eye infection is improving. Still need a vet?

For closed eyes, instill 1-2 drops per eye once daily for a week. For maintenance, it is 1-2 drops per per once weekly. Swollen eyes can be due to infection, trauma or vitamin deficiency (typically vitamin A). Maintain pristine water quality during treatment. Consider a temporary 5-10 degree F increase in temperature to aid in recovery. If the eyes do not improve, have Kiwi examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose and treat infection or injury.

Most eye issues in red eared sliders is related to a vitamin A deficiency. This deficiency is caused by improper diet. You must correct his diet in order for him to get well. You also need to make sure everything else is correct - water temperature, basking temperature, cage size, etc. ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/vitamin-a-deficiency-signs-diagnosis-treatment-and-preventi/ ) Please realize that reptiles have a very slow metabolism. It takes a long time for them to show illness and subsequently, a long time to get well. So, this is not a quick fix. It may take months before he is back to normal. Be careful over-supplementing with Vitamin A, more is not better. You can cause an overdose if you give too much. That is why it is best to work with your vet. It sounds like they are on the right track with treatment.

Maintain pristine water quality and proper temperature. You can even bump water and ambient temps about 5 F to aid in recovery. Offer some freeze dried shrimp or krill to stimulate the appetite. Small bits of fresh beef heart may also get him eating. Other protein sources include feeder fish and nightcrawlers.

The inflammation of the eyes is usually caused by a vitamin A deficiency. You can purchase drops at most pet stores that can help. Infection is also possible. Ideally, Jade should be examined by an experienced herp veterinarian. She may also have shell rot. This is caused by poor water quality, lack of proper lighting and/or poor nutrition. Gently clean gray spots with dilute Betadine or chlorhexidine solution and a soft bristled toothbrush. Maintain water quality and provide UVB lighting. Feed w quality commercial turtle diet. You can find more information regarding care here: http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Unfortunately what i can tell you from your description and the pic is that this presentation is likely to be due to a severe conjunctivitis, probably secondary to a trauma or infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well and eye must be fully examined. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Check the water temperature and ambient temperature. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in reptiles. Keep the water between 24 C and 30 C. A basking spot out of the water should be 29 C to 31 C. UVB lighting should also be provided. Maintain water quality to prevent infections and feed an appropriate diet with vitamin and mineral supplementation. A vitamin A deficiency can cause swelling of the eyes. Repti-Turtle Eye Drops (by Zoo Med) can be used to help the eyes. Find it online or in the local pet store. Soak the little guy in a 50/50 mix of warm water and an electrolyte replacement beverage to maintain hydration. You can read more about care here: http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

If possible, separate them until you get a diagnosis. Get a stool sample from the sick turtle and submit it to your veterinarian to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial infection. An exam with your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles is strongly recommended given the marked weight loss and lethargy. Increase water and ambient temperatures by a few degrees to support the sick turtle. Offer a biologically appropriate, species specific diet as well as proper vitamin and mineral supplementation. Check the UVB bulb and replace it of it is older than 6 months old. The symptoms you describe have multiple causes, so it is important to have an exam and testing to reach a diagnosis. Treatment will depend on the diagnosis. Follow the link below for information regarding care and husbandry of red eared sliders. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html