My tortoise's eyes are shut. Is it an infection? When to see a vet?

This could be due to a vitamin A deficiency. Be sure to feed a balanced diet and supplement with a powdered multi vitamin dusted onto food. If this doesn't help, see your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness or injury. Try to get the humidity down to between 40% and 60%. Maintain the humid hides at the levels described.

Hello Alexis! Thank you for using PetCoach. Without seeing the redness in the eyes myself it is difficult for me to say if there is a problem or not. I can tell you that one of the problems we see with tortoises and turtles is hypovitaminosis A (low vitamin A levels in the blood) which can cause eye problems. This low vitamin A typically happens when the tortoise is not being a fed a diet that is quite right and/or he is not getting the proper lighting. So, I suggest you refer to the link below about how to properly feed and provide lighting for your tortoise. If the eyes become swollen and he can't open them, then I would be worried. ( https://www.reptilecentre.com/info-indian-star-tortoise-care-sheet ) I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thanks for reaching out about Ketchup. Swollen eyes are likely infections, possibly due to a vitamin A deficiency. A veterinary visit is recommended. She is probably is not trying to hibernate but is weak/sick. Systemic antibiotics and vitamin A supplementation are also probably needed. A thermometer is needed to provide POTZ (Preferred Optimal Temperature Zone), which is require for immune stimulation and recovery. Good luck.

Hello there. Yes it does sound like a Vitamin A deficiency. Bathing him in carrot puree is not likely to help. You need to get him some topical eye drops such as these: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=11311&cmpid=07cseYY&ref=6196&subref=AA&cmpid=PLA_G_6196&gclid=CK6lo834ktQCFVKPfgodyvoJKA I am unsure what product is comparable in the UK. If you go to a reptile pet store I am sure they would have something. You honestly need to address the husbandry issues - diet, humidity, lighting, etc. This article may help. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=17+1797&aid=2589 Reptiles have a slow metabolism so they get sick slowly and hence it will take a long time for them to get well. Don't expect an overnight fix. My best recommendation would be to have him evaluated by a reptile veterinarian so you can get the best treatment plan as he may have more going on than just the Vitamin A issue. I hope this helps. Dr. Amber

Most eye conditions in tortoises are due to vitamin A deficiency. I would recommend taking Ivor to an exotic vet specialist in order to get it checked and treated, he will need a vitamin injection as well as vitamin A eye drops.

Have him rechecked for vitamin A deficiency. Your herp vet can give an injection or dispense oral beta-carotene which Herman can convert to the active form of vitamin A. Dust food with a multivitamin powder 2-3 times weekly. A calcium supplement can be offered the other days. Use a 10% UVB light source making sure it is not blocked by glass or plexiglass. Consider a ceramic heat emitter instead of a bright heat lamp. Rinse the eyes with sterile saline solution if he allows. Monitor humidity levels and air circulation in the enclosure. Remove any furniture that may cause eye trauma.

He may have been hibernating/brumating. Continue with the daily soaks in warm water or a 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte. Get him eating if he isn't already. If the behavior persists, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose illness.