My turtle's eye was bitten by an ant. Why is he not eating suddenly?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is not possible to know what is exactly going on without a proper evaluation though it does sound like Cutty is quite sick. I would highly recommend that you have Cutty evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They could check on what may be going on which could be a gastrointestinal condition so that it can be treated accordingly. Best of luck!

Thanks for reaching out about Semsem. Another veterinarian to visit is recommended or maybe your present veterinarian can consult with a reptile veterinarian. Vitamin A deficiencies can often lead to ocular changes and inappetence. Check and correct water quality, water and basking site temperatures and UVB exposure. Review diet and improve if deficient. Systemic antibiotics, a vitamin A injection and eye ointments might be needed. Good luck.

Nemo likely has an ocular infection and so is painful and uncomfortable and not wanting to eat. He most likely needs some antibiotic ointment for his eyes and possible an injectable antibiotic as well. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Buddy. Chewing and spitting out food is suggestive of an obstruction. Could there be a possible substrate ingestion (rocks, etc)? Vitamin A deficiencies can cause epithelial (skin, throat linings) to swell. Calcium deficiencies can affect muscle and skeletal structure. Brightly colored foods (red/yellow/orange vegetables) and movement (live fish, worms) can stimulate appetite. Check and correct water husbandry. Otherwise a veterinary visit is needed. Good luck.

Thank you for using PetCoach. Your turtle needs to see a reptile veterinarian ASAP. It may be suffering from malnutrition or have a respiratory infection or combination of both. It could be critically ill and likely needs injectable medications. Here is some more info on care. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Hello, I’m sorry to hear of Babu’s injury. I am worried he may have sustained trauma to his face or jaw or even possibly internally. A jaw fracture would certainly make him not want to eat. I would recommend you have him seen by a veterinarian as he may need pin medication, antibiotics or even treatment of the wound or fracture, if present. Also, check out anapsid.org and read the red eared slider section under “chelonian.” This will give you some advice about proper nutrition and husbandry. Good luck!

Thanks for reaching out about Loofa. It does appear as if antibiotics would be beneficial, but check environmental temperature and correct any problems. Offer food through a plastic syringe in the form of watered down pellets or vegetable baby food. Maybe you can convince the dog/cat veterinarian to help. Good luck.