Tortoises are highly susceptible to eye health issues, much more so than other reptiles. Most owners of chelonians (the scientific term for turtles and tortoises) will encounter eye issues with their pet at some point, so knowing what to look for and how to treat it can make a huge difference in your tortoise’s long term health. Eye problems are serious and can become life threatening by either causing infections or preventing your tortoise from eating, so it’s vital that you get your pet veterinary care from a qualified reptile vet as quickly as you can. In the meantime, while you wait on an appointment with your vet, here are some basic things to help your tortoise with his or her eye problems:
Eyes Swollen Shut
One of the most common eye problems tortoises experience are eyes that are swollen shut. The eyes may look runny or red for a few days and then suddenly your tortoise can’t open one or both eyes. This can be caused by several things, including an infection, an object lodged in your tortoise’s eye, or a deficiency of Vitamin A. Pet stores sell Vitamin A eyedrops that can be used as temporary care prior to seeing your vet. They’ll help if it’s a vitamin deficiency and, if it’s not, they won’t do any harm. You should make sure to keep your tortoise’s eyes clean, and keep her away from any other tortoises who might take advantage of her blindness and injure her. You should also consider handfeeding until your tortoise can see again to ensure she does not experience severe dehydration, metabolic bone disease, or malnutrition. You should also make sure, going forward, to provide your tortoise a diet high in Vitamin A by feeding foods like carrots.
Eye Infections
Eyes that are red, runny, or swollen may be symptoms of an eye infection, and these require immediate veterinary care. Keep your tortoise’s eyes clean until you can see your vet.
Runny Eyes
Eyes that are runny without swelling or redness may be symptomatic of what is often called “Runny Nose Syndrome” in tortoises. This is a respiratory infection that tortoises are particularly susceptible to, and can be caused by very dry or dusty conditions. Make sure your tortoise’s enclosure is clean, dust free, and that your tortoise is properly hydrated. If symptoms do not clear up in a day or two, see your vet.
General First Aid
If your tortoise has an eye problem or any health problem, it’s important to take a look at your general pet husbandry. Ensure that temperatures are warm enough for the species, that your pet has access to UV light daily, that your tortoise is receiving a balanced and natural diet (as opposed to tortoise food sold at pet stores), and make sure your tortoise’s enclosure is clean. Providing your tortoise with a liquid supplement diet while she is sick can help to ensure she does not become malnourished, and separating her from any other tortoises you have will prevent her from spreading infection or being beaten up by the other tortoises.
Proper veterinary care can make the difference between life and death for your tortoise, so make sure you have a qualified reptile vet available for when your tortoise needs one!
Sources:
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/eyeprobs.htm
http://www.tortoisetrust.org/articles/commondisease.html
