My turtle has a white eye. What's wrong and what should I do?

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.

This can be due to vitamin A deficiency, infection, poor water quality or lighting that is too intense/direct. You can address environmental concerns but you may need a vet to diagnose and treat infection or deficiency. Feeding a commercial turtle food along with fresh veggies and greens (or prey) will help balance the diet. Vitamin and mineral supplementation is also recommended. Click on the link below for more information. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

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.

Thanks for reaching out about Buddy and including photos. The left eye appears a little swollen. Trauma, vitamin A deficiencies and water quality concerns can lead to ocular damage. Check and correct water quality. If housed with other turtles, observe for aggression and separate if needed. If lesion progresses, a veterinary visit needs to be scheduled. If Buddy will allow, wipe eye with a moist, warm soft cloth. Good 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.

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

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