Help, Leo's got some red eyes!

CarterEvan

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Hello!

My name is Carter and this is my very first post on here so I'm sorry if this isn't correct or if this thread is in the wrong place.

I recently bought a leopard tortoise hatchling from tortoise supply and he came in great shape. However, since being here, he has developed slightly red and puffy eyes. I looked online and think this has to do with my UVB bulb and that he has overexposure. Is this because of the coil bulb and the fact that I leave it on for around 14 hours a day?

Also his habitat is at 80 degrees average with a 95 degree basking spot and at 70% humidity with an Orchard bark substrate.

Can anyone please tell me what they think might be wrong with him??

Thanks in advance!
 

CarterEvan

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Thanks Jodie! I have turned it off after reading your advice and am going to look into those options.
 

CarterEvan

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No, when i checked on him this morning his eyes were still red. I'm going to leave it off longer to see if i notice a difference. He also scratches at his eyes with his arms on occasion so i think that may have something to do with it too. Thanks for your help!
 

ZEROPILOT

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No, when i checked on him this morning his eyes were still red. I'm going to leave it off longer to see if i notice a difference. He also scratches at his eyes with his arms on occasion so i think that may have something to do with it too. Thanks for your help!
Yes. Throw that bulb away!
The damage that it can do, once done is permanent.
I had no idea that you were still using it at all.
 

CarterEvan

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Yes. Throw that bulb away!
The damage that it can do, once done is permanent.
I had no idea that you were still using it at all.
I wasn't! as soon as the first person replied i took it out and haven't turned it on since. Im going to get a Mercury Vapor Bulb today. Will the redness around his eyes go down do you think or is this irreversible?
 

ZEROPILOT

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No. If it was the light. (And I think it was) He should recover because you caught it in time.
Soak him and keep him warm. They're pretty tough creatures.
 

CarterEvan

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Alright thanks! If he isn't better in a couple days I will probably take him to the vet.
 

CarterEvan

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Alright ill have a look at my local vets and see which ones are the most experienced with tortoises
 

Alaskamike

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You can get some ophthalmic cream for the eyes and this may help. You don'y need an Rx for it, I ordered some off a pet supply web site and have used it several times since on a box, and my Sulcata. Eye irritation is common, and can idnicate a much deeper problem like immune system compromise, but it can also be simple irritation, and clear up on its own.

I error on the side of caution and apply the cream and watch. It has worked for me.
 

Jodie

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Be aware of vets. Do not let them give a vitamin A shot to your tortoise.
 

CarterEvan

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Thanks everyone for the help! It looks to me like his redness is fading and hopefully it'll be gone by tomorrow!
 
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