Help! Please look at eye

[SinLA]

So I gave Fezzik (adult male Russian) a soak this am (starting temp 95) and I noticed two things, first he actually seemed to drink which I have almost never seen (it’s been about 100+ degrees here so even tho he has access to water he probably is more dehydrated than usual) but I noticed his left eye was closed almost the entire time! He CAN open it - when I picked him up he definitely opened it to look around but he is choosing to keep it closed. His right eye is normal. When he opens the eye it doesn’t looks swollen or unusual, but Ive never seen him keep it closed before

His weight is also in normal range for him - around 465 g, which on his lower end but pretty normal. He seems to be acting normal tho less active because of the heat. He’s outside full time so I can’t track his movement or pooping as closely as when inside. He does have access to deep shade at all times.

What do you all think or recommend??

 

[EppsDynasty]

Sounds like maybe it was irritated, or something (small) in it .... not sure. Hoping the best and will wait for some experts to chime in.

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Oh dear that is odd I’m thinking maybe something got in it and irritated it? Might be worth flushing it with saline solution?

 

[SinLA]

@zovick what is the name of the solution you recommend?

 

[zovick]

@zovick what is the name of the solution you recommend?

It is called Neo-Poly-Dex Veterinary Ophthalmic drops. The medication is not available without a prescription. If you are on good terms with your vet, he/she might give them to you without seeing the tortoise, but that is an individual thing.

 

[SinLA]

It is called Neo-Poly-Dex Veterinary Ophthalmic drops. The medication is not available without a prescription. If you are on good terms with your vet, he/she might give them to you without seeing the tortoise, but that is an individual thing.

Ok thank you! Based on the video do you think that is a good idea, or would just saline be advisable?

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Maybe something poked the eye? Or some irritation that others mentioned. I think @zolasmum has been using some eye drops for Zola to combat dry eyes? Were they prescription free?

 

[zolasmum]

Maybe something poked the eye? Or some irritation that others mentioned. I think @zolasmum has been using some eye drops for Zola to combat dry eyes? Were they prescription free?

Yes, they are called Viscotears, and are meant for humans - it is a gel, which comes out as a blob, and stays on the eye a bit longer than a liquid - it turns to liquid quite quickly, though, Made by Bausch and Lomb. They are prescription free, and not expensive, but may not be available in the USA. I'm sure there are similar things there, though.
Angie

 

[zovick]

Ok thank you! Based on the video do you think that is a good idea, or would just saline be advisable?

Well, you get 3 separate ingredients in the drops all of which which help reduce inflammation/irritation. With saline solution, you are only getting one and that is the salt water which washes the eye and may kill some bacteria but has less of an effect than the 3 ingredients in the drops, 2 of which are antibiotics and the third one is an inflammation reducer.

You could try saline and if the eye doesn't improve, then get the drops and use them twice a day for about 10 days.

 

[SinLA]

Fortunately it looks better today. I'll keep an eye on it

 

[Renee_H]

So I gave Fezzik (adult male Russian) a soak this am (starting temp 95) and I noticed two things, first he actually seemed to drink which I have almost never seen (it’s been about 100+ degrees here so even tho he has access to water he probably is more dehydrated than usual) but I noticed his left eye was closed almost the entire time! He CAN open it - when I picked him up he definitely opened it to look around but he is choosing to keep it closed. His right eye is normal. When he opens the eye it doesn’t looks swollen or unusual, but Ive never seen him keep it closed before

His weight is also in normal range for him - around 465 g, which on his lower end but pretty normal. He seems to be acting normal tho less active because of the heat. He’s outside full time so I can’t track his movement or pooping as closely as when inside. He does have access to deep shade at all times.

What do you all think or recommend??

What a cutie! I’m glad the eye is looking better! While I have regularly seen mine take small drinks as she passes her water yesterday was insane! It was 109 and when I sprayed down her enclosure and refilled her water after work she drank and drank and drank! I felt so bad for her like she must have been really hot and thirsty to drink so much! I also fill her dish in the morning with fresh water but I’m guessing it heated up beyond the point she wanted to drink it until I refreshed it.