Posted by:
streamwalker
at Tue Jan 16 06:48:26 2007 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by streamwalker ]
"Any suggestions as to what I should do? There are two vets out here that are supposed to treat turtles, but after hearing all the horror stories, about over dosing with vitamin A and other horrors, I am hesitant to bring her. Is there anything that I can do to help now? "
Ornates are prone to respiratory problems when their very specific humidity needs are not met. Althought they are from a dry climate; they dig down into the earth entering a micro habitat to reach moderate amounts of humidity.
If caught early, eye infections can be remedied with warm soaks to loosen the layers of their eyelids. You should follow up with an antibiotic which you can purchase from most Feed and Farm Supply stores. You'll need an ointment specifically made for eye infections. Look for Terramycin Ophthalmic pet eye Ointment OTC ( Over the counter). Sometime it's targeted just for lambs who are also prone to eye infections; so ask before you give up. Costs are about $10 for a small tube that will last you years if stored in a cool area.
Use only a 1/16 inch long strip of the thick ointment over the eye twice daily for the first three days, then you'll only need to use it once daily. Keep the temps up to near 88- 90 degrees F. to induce a healing condition; similar to a fever in mammals fighting an infection. Wild Boxies that are sick will naturally gravitate to these warm
temps and bask long times.
Don't try feeding until the eyes are open for at least two days. Boxies need their eyes open in order to feed; and the infection will dull his appetite. When you do start to feed him, feed very sparingly. We want him to use his acquired heat energy to fight the infection; not to digest a large meal.
I've looked at the side of his head and in my opinion; I don't believe he has any caseated cysts. They can form after long untreated infections. They present themselves a bit differently. I have removed a few of these myself; however to be sure you may wish to check with a good rep vet.
I think we can turn this eye infection around with diligence and helping the boxie to channel his energies and immune system.
Keep us posted.
Ric K.
[ Hide Replies ]
|
RE: Bad Eye Problem - streamwalker, Tue Jan 16 06:48:26 2007