Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

A few weeks ago I received this sick male Ornate. He is still sick and I am seeking any advice from Experienced turtle keepers who have also dealt with this problem.

After treating him for 3 weeks I have started a second round of antibiotic (Fortaz) injections and eye drops (tobramycin Ophthalmic) from the vet to this guy. He still has small amounts of mucous coming from his nose at times. His eyes now do open, but maybe just for a minute and are still shut most of the day. I soak him twice a day in warm water and have him under a heat lamp 12 hours a day. I force feed him every other day dog food coated with Reptvite vitamins. He has gained 5 grams since he arrived.

I also have just sent for Flukers Repta Aid, Critical Care Formula, which is supposed to help sick and newly acquired reptiles. I don't know if it will help but thought I'd give it a try.

My question is can I do anything else to poor this very sick boy? I would appreciate any response from those of you who have experienced this problem as well, especially how I can treat his swollen eyes better.

You are doing a great job. It takes more time for cold blooded herps to get well from an illness. How warm do you maintain the turtle are night? During illnesses I always keep the temp in the high 80's both day and night. Also, you may want to switch to an antibiotic eye OINTMENT instead of the drops. The drops quickly run out of the eye, whereas the ointment will stay in the eyes for a longer period of time. Are you using the drops 4-6 times a day? That is the usual prescribed dosage in one vet book I looked up.

Soakings are great but you'll want the water to remain tepid and the turtle's body temp should not drop down. I think with continued care the turtle should recover, however if you notice he isn't cured by this 2nd round of antibiotics, the vet might want to try a different antibiotic. Good luck!
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Tess
Kingsnake.com Forum Host

My three-toed male box turtle got swollen eye syndrome almost every winter (he does not hibernate, stays indoors in a terrarium with natural lighting and a heating place.) Last year, nothing I could do with the antibiotic eye ointment worked, so I went to an exotic animal vet and got a prescription for an antibiotic to give by injection for 10 days. The vet also advised me to add Vitamin A to the diet through finely chopped carrot. I did this, and my turtle recuperated swiftly, and has been healthy ever since. Box turtles are very susceptible to changes in humidity, too. Do you keep the turtle in a dry room? If so, light misting is needed. Sometimes puffy eyes are a sign the turtle is too dried out.

HEAT, HEAT, HEAT.

Make sure that he has a basking area that is 85-90 degrees, with plenty of room to stay clear if he overheats. Heat can work wonders for a sick turtle.

I just wanted to thank those of you who responded to my post. I now have a heat lamp on 24/7 for my sick ornate with an area he can also cool down. He seems to be stayong under the lamp most of the time. I also have stared to use a triple antibiotic paste on his eyes. Hopefully in time they will open and he will get better. I will post later on his condition. Thanks again!

Patrick