Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 4 Sulcatas - two yearlings, one about 20", and one 14". My 14" Sulcata has one puffy eye, the other is fine. There is no discharge, no runny nose or sounds with his breathing. I live in southern california but have brought them in to the garage for the few colder months and have the two larger sulcatas in a large enclosure, using alfalfa as a substrate and using ceramic heat emitters. I regretfully admit that it has been difficult to keep the temperature up to where it should be, but I do keep the heat emitters on 24/7, and fully enclose the 6x6 box so that as much heat stays in as possible. They do not eat much when they are kept inside the box. I am iffy about this being an URI, but I am concerned and am wondering if I should try to set an appt. with my reptile vet. the only worth while reptile vet is about 60 miles away. Please help with any insight.Thanks.

Hello, The eye may become puffy like that for several reasons. An irritant being one of them and the easiest to fix. But in case it is something more serious I would isolate him till the problem is diagnosed and cured. In the meantime you can try a less dusty substrate and applying Genteal eye gel (its a lubricant) to the eye 2x a day. It will help if its from dust but wont harm him if its something else. Also to look into is the lighting, vitamin A def. or the onset of a cold. Another thing to consider but its only a shot in the dark is if the temp is too low and the torts are under the che 24/7 this will dry and irritate the eyes(this will usually cause a runny eye though). The eye gel is avail at any pharmacy(its in the eye care section). If it persists much longer call the vet. Good luck!

Thanks for the insight. I have brought him in to the kitchen where its even warmer and have him by himself. I soaked him a little and ran a little water over his eye and it is looking a little better, opening up a little now, but a little gooey. I am going to try the gel, because I do have a hunch that it may just be irritated. I feel so bad though, knowing how cold it has been, I have been struggling to keep them warm all winter. Thanks again, and I will update tomorrow.