Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Yesterday I took my sisters box turtle out of the tank to clean it and put some aspen in. When i picked her up, I noticed her eyes were closed and then a white puss started to come from one. It took a very long time (10 Minutes) for the turtle to open her eyes and at that point the one with the puss coming out wouldn't open all the way. Over the past week or so, I've noticed the turtle kinda just sitting in the cage with its head down as if its sleeping. Is it trying to hibernate? and what should I do about the eye?
Thanks

sounds like an eye infection once or twice daily soaks in warm water for however long it takes the turtle to clear her eyes, keep the humidity up in the enclosure and keep her warm, 90-100 degrees F on the warm side, 75-80 degrees F on the cool side.

just laying around is not normal brumation behaviour, digging and burrowing is, if she's just laying around she sounds depressed.
are you keeping her in an aquarium?

If that were my turtle I would take it to a vet ASAP before it gets any sicker. A vet can supply you with antibiotic eye ointment to help clear up that infection, because, although regular soaking will help, it probably won't clear it up completely.
I would also do a thorough evaluation of the turtles housing to determine how I could improve conditions for the turtle.

I agree with Steph. It sounds like a bad eye infection and she may also have an upper respiratory infection. If the eye isn't taken care of quickly it will probably turn into the resp.infect. Let us know if you need help finding a good herp vet in your area. Keep us posted.

You might also want to read up about box turtle health at:
http://boxturtlesite.org/heal.html

Pus emitting from a boxie 's eye is a dangerous situation.

It takes a long time for a boxie's health to develop this situation and a long time to cure it.

Antibiotics and a vet visit are strongly recommended.

Secondary infection is a strong possibility.

Either the humidity, heating or a combination of factors are responsible along with checking dietary factors.

You asked if the boxie is trying to hibernate... Just a caution here that one should never try and hibernate a sick boxie.

Keep the temp on the high side similar to inducing a fever as mammals do... Only in boxies they have to rely on finding high temps to do essentially the same thing when sick.

Ric K.

Everyone already posted good answers here.
I just want to say please take their advice and see a vet ASAP.
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PHRatz