Help Identifying Issue with My Tortoise's Eye

[Suranai]

Hi,
Something is wrong with one of my tortoise's eyes—it’s affecting only one eye (please see the attached images). There was no issue few days ago, and the other tortoises' eyes appear normal. My guess is that he may have scratched it himself or possibly got some dirt in it, but I’m not entirely sure. Could you please help me identify what this might be and how to remedy this?

 

[Yvonne G]

That's an inflamed nictitating membrane (third eyelid). It would be helpful if you could dab some eye ointment on it. @zovick can give you the name of a good one to use.

 

[zovick]

That's an inflamed nictitating membrane (third eyelid). It would be helpful if you could dab some eye ointment on it. @zovick can give you the name of a good one to use.

@Suranai
I would recommend getting some Neo-Poly-Dex Veterinary Ophthalmic drops and putting a drop into the eye 2-3 times daily to help reduce the inflammation. You will need to get the drops from a vet as they are a prescription medication.

 

[Suranai]

Hi,
Thank you everyone for the responses. This morning I checked on the tortoise and the condition appears to have improved. In regard to the prescription medication, is there an alternative? I mean, 200lb isn't something easy to just lift and carry.

Also, I check on Chewy (Link) and it seems like I can just purchase one from there w/o a vet prescription. Is this the right product?

 

[Yvonne G]

It's sometimes caused by stress. Many years ago I had a turtle/tortoise (can't remember what it was) that was turned in to my rescue whose nictatating membranes in both eyes occasionally flared up like that. I happened to mention it on the Forum and one of our more seasoned members said he wanted the animal. He had a breeding colony and wanted to add it to the group. I sent him the animal and he said the eyes never flared up again.

You can make sure your tortoise lives in a stress free environment and add the occasional soothing ointment to the eye and hope for the best.

 

[zovick]

Hi,
Thank you everyone for the responses. This morning I checked on the tortoise and the condition appears to have improved. In regard to the prescription medication, is there an alternative? I mean, 200lb isn't something easy to just lift and carry.

Also, I check on Chewy (Link) and it seems like I can just purchase one from there w/o a vet prescription. Is this the right product?

View attachment 392019

That is the right medication, but if you look closely on the link you posted, it says "Prescription Required" in a blue box right under the five gold stars under the name of the drops.

Since it is better today, you might not need the drops anyway, but then on the other hand, it doesn't hurt to have them around in case of future needs.

 

[Suranai]

It's sometimes caused by stress. Many years ago I had a turtle/tortoise (can't remember what it was) that was turned in to my rescue whose nictatating membranes in both eyes occasionally flared up like that. I happened to mention it on the Forum and one of our more seasoned members said he wanted the animal. He had a breeding colony and wanted to add it to the group. I sent him the animal and he said the eyes never flared up again.

You can make sure your tortoise lives in a stress free environment and add the occasional soothing ointment to the eye and hope for the best.

Thank you for the insight. I haven’t been paying much attention to them lately because of work. I’ve also started switching their diet from dry food (hay/Mazuri) to fresh options like mulberry and grass. The tortoises seem much more energetic and eager, often rushing to the food. It’s possible that competition for the best spot at the feeding area might be adding to their stress as well. On the that his eye flared up was the day I fed them hibiscus leaves/flowers, which is everyone favorite.

 

[Suranai]

That is the right medication, but if you look closely on the link you posted, it says "Prescription Required" in a blue box right under the five gold stars under the name of the drops.

Since it is better today, you might not need the drops anyway, but then on the other hand, it doesn't hurt to have them around in case of future needs.

Oh see that now. I'll talk to a vet to see if I can possibly get a prescription for it.