Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello, on a recent hike I found an old male eastern box turtle with both eyes swollen shut. I decided to try and treat the infection before releasing him at the same location. I have been soaking him in warm water every day, and this does seem to help with releasing some pus under the eyelids. I have also increased the humidity and temperature in his enclosure. I have been offering a variety of food including berries, vegetables, worms, slugs, etc. but I do not think he has eaten in the few days since I found him. Is it normal for turtles with eye infections to not eat until after the infection clears up? How long can they go for without food? Should I apply any type of antibiotic cream to the eyelids?

Thank you,
Zach

Zach, where are you located? Have you considered contacting a wildlife rehabber?

I am located in Montgomery Co., PA, right outside of Philadelphia. I haven't considered contacting a wildlife rehab facility, mostly because I have had experience caring for a variety of different herps and successfully treating them in the past. Also, box turtle populations around here are declining rapidly so I'd like to return him to the exact spot I found him, which would not be possible if I gave him to a facility.

-Zach

Chances are pretty good that he has a bacterial infection that may be more systemic and isn't just affecting his eyes. A vet would probably prescribe an injectable antibiotic. Treating the eyes alone with something topical may not cure everything. If you're not going to take him to a vet, the first thing I would do would be to put him in a restricted container with a heat lamp over him and get the temperature up around 88-90 degrees. He may not have an appetite right away (they can go for months without food as long as they're hydrated), but the heat alone may hasten the process and the infection may be self-limiting and run it's course. I'd soak him in very slightly warm water a couple times a day to keep him hydrated. He probably came out of hibernation with the infection, it's not that uncommon. Ideally, he should be seen by a herp vet, but that may get expensive. A rehabber may treat him for free and may work with you toward releasing him where he was found. Good luck.

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