Eye Issues

[Jennifer M]

I just took this tortoise in. Thoughts/Advice on its eyes?

 

[COmtnLady]

Poor tortoise looks really dry. Do you have any backstory on it? The eyes look to be in need of some antibiotic eye drops to me, but let's ask @zovick and some of the more experienced members what specifically would be good to do.

How is it eating? What have you offered it to eat.
Sometimes when they can't see its difficult for them even find food. Since this one is new to you, it is probably having a heck of time adjusting to all the new things going on (tortoises don't do well with changes)besides the eyes problem.

Is it energetic or lethargic?
When sitting undisturbed in the enclosure, what does it do? Does it sit or move araound? Is it trying to hide?

Have you seen it "potty" yet?

Please post a good pic of the plastron. In the one picture it looks kind of odd. Is it stiff or flexible? Does it seem rough?

RedFoots are a Tropical species, so need constant high temps (at least 84F) and high humidity (also at least 84%) all the time. These guys evolved in and near the Equator, so they need jungle temps and humidity. Like all torts they're tough and can survive quite a bit that's less than optimal, but to really thrive they need to be warm with moist air.




Until we hear from some some of the others especially about the eye problem ~

I would start soaking it in warm water immediately. The water should be lukewarm (95F-ish) and should be only as deep as where the top and bottom shells come together. This means it will try to cool down quickly, so keep a close eye on the water being warm, and add to it to keep the temps up and even-ish. It should be in a steep-sided container so that the tort can't climb out. The water must be kept warm the entire time, the warmth is as important as the water itself is. Soaks needs to be at least a half hour long, but longer is better.
If it dips its head into the water, that's fine - but watch closely that it doesn't leave its head in the water and drown.



@Yvonne G
@zovick
@ZEROPILOT
@Tom








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[TammyJ]

He's been kept in very poor conditions, obviously from how he looks.
You have got great advice so far!
He's a lucky little tortoise now he has someone who cares! Thank you!

 

[ZEROPILOT]

My guess...and it's a guess...is that he was under some very harsh lighting and may also be dehydrated. Although dehydration usually causes runny eyes.
Get him warm and humid under low, T5 uvb lightning. Feed him lots of fruit. Hopefully he will come around.
This may or may not be permanent.
To me, it looks like a case of PET STORE SPIRAL UVB bulb eye damage.
I'd consult with my veterinarian and see about some soothing eye drops. Especially if the animal shows signs of discomfort. (Like not eating)

 

[zovick]

I just took this tortoise in. Thoughts/Advice on its eyes? View attachment 401760

The eyes look very irritated. Specifically, the third eyelid (nictitating membrane) is very swollen. Not sure what the cause may be, but I would recommend getting some Neo-Poly-Dex Veterinary Ophthalmic Drops and putting a drop in each eye twice a day for about 10 days. I think that should help immensely.

Note that the drops I recommended contain a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (dexamethasone) which necessitates getting them from a vet. IE, you can't get drops containing steroids without a prescription from a vet.

There are other ophthalmic drops available without an RX but they will not contain an anti-inflammatory ingredient which I believe you should use for this tortoise.

Where are you in GA? If close enough to Athens you could take the tortoise to the UGA Vet School Hospital.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

The eyes look very irritated. Specifically, the third eyelid (nictitating membrane) is very swollen. Not sure what the cause may be, but I would recommend getting some Neo-Poly-Dex Veterinary Ophthalmic Drops and putting a drop in each eye twice a day for about 10 days. I think that should help immensely.

Note that the drops I recommended contain a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (dexamethasone) which necessitates getting them from a vet. IE, you can't get drops containing steroids without a prescription from a vet.

There are other ophthalmic drops available without an RX but they will not contain an anti-inflammatory ingredient which I believe you should use for this tortoise.

Where are you in GA? If close enough to Athens you could take the tortoise to the UGA Vet School Hospital.

I'm pleased that whatever caused this, it's no longer harming this poor tort.
Looking at the eyes, the legs, the shell, that poor animal has not had a "happy" life.
Jen will be able to help.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Poor tortoise looks really dry. Do you have any backstory on it? The eyes look to be in need of some antibiotic eye drops to me, but let's ask @zovick and some of the more experienced members what specifically would be good to do.

How is it eating? What have you offered it to eat.
Sometimes when they can't see its difficult for them even find food. Since this one is new to you, it is probably having a heck of time adjusting to all the new things going on (tortoises don't do well with changes)besides the eyes problem.

Is it energetic or lethargic?
When sitting undisturbed in the enclosure, what does it do? Does it sit or move araound? Is it trying to hide?

Have you seen it "potty" yet?

Please post a good pic of the plastron. In the one picture it looks kind of odd. Is it stiff or flexible? Does it seem rough?

RedFoots are a Tropical species, so need constant high temps (at least 84F) and high humidity (also at least 84%) all the time. These guys evolved in and near the Equator, so they need jungle temps and humidity. Like all torts they're tough and can survive quite a bit that's less than optimal, but to really thrive they need to be warm with moist air.




Until we hear from some some of the others especially about the eye problem ~

I would start soaking it in warm water immediately. The water should be lukewarm (95F-ish) and should be only as deep as where the top and bottom shells come together. This means it will try to cool down quickly, so keep a close eye on the water being warm, and add to it to keep the temps up and even-ish. It should be in a steep-sided container so that the tort can't climb out. The water must be kept warm the entire time, the warmth is as important as the water itself is. Soaks needs to be at least a half hour long, but longer is better.
If it dips its head into the water, that's fine - but watch closely that it doesn't leave its head in the water and drown.



@Yvonne G
@zovick
@ZEROPILOT
@Tom








.

"At least 84°" is at the middle to upper range. In my experience, anything much warmer than 90 becomes stressful