Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey- my beautiful female Indian Star has a "thing" in the bottom corner of her left eye. It's beige coloured, and seems to get larger, and then smaller as the day goes on. In the morning before I go to school, I always wake her up to just do a general check up before I leave. This is when it is at its worst. The spot covers almost half her eye! She can barely open it. I have to stand there for five minutes or more just so she can manage to open her eye a crack. There is also a bit of eye junk there to go along with it. Her other eye is perfectly normal. By the afternoon, the "thing" has shrunk down to where it is just a spot in the corner of her eye. Just tonight, I noticed her eye is starting to cloud over. It's like there is a creamy film over her eye. Tortoise cataracts? I have a male Star who lives in the exact same conditions with no problems. It's worrying me because I always hear of people losing their Stars after their eyes start to swell. We've been to the vet many times, and we just can't figure out what to do. Any suggestions? I have pictures, so please e-mail me if you think you can help. Thanks. Brooks Pipher

By the afternoon, the "thing" has shrunk down to where it is just a spot in the corner of her eye.

From what you describe the "thing" you are noticing is more than likely the tortoises' third eyelid.
The cloudiness in conjunction with the "sticky" eyelid indicate either an injury to the eye such as a scratch or an infection.
You can purchase an excellent opthomalic ointment from The Beanfarm but would encourage you to take the tortoise to the vet again to be on the safe side.
If you decide to try treating the animal yourself apply the ointment twice a day for ten days. If there is no improvement after several days then you will have no choice but to visit the veterinarian again.
On a brighter note, If your animal does not exhibit other signs of illness such as a runny nose you can look forward to a probable recovery.