Again, I have to disagree with your vet. A vitamin A deficiency causes swollen eyes. Too much Vit A causes excessive skin shedding. If the area gets infected that is where the problem comes in. I state this from experience. I was giving my turtles a treat of dried shrimp many years ago. Their skin started really pealing and when I read the contents closely I realized it was too much Vit A. After stopping it I have never had a problem. Also the fact you mentioned they have never shed their scutes goes back to having a proper basking area. Mine shed their scutes two times a year. If they were eating Reptomin or Wardleys pellets they do not have a Vit A deficiency. These are pretty much a staple for aquatic turtles. I would discontinue the Vit A supplements. The antibiotic ointment is over the counter. It is the generic if you will of neosporin ointment. Just go to the pharmacy counter and ask where they keep it. Start feeding your turtles romaine lettuce (not iceberg), Turnip greens and mustard greens. small bits of fruit including stawberries and bananas and finely chopped up veggies. Another great food for them is Anarcharis. This grows wild in their environment and my turtles adore it. You can get this in the fish area of Petsmart. It may take a while but they will more than likely love it. Only give meat 3 times per week and in small amounts. In the meantime do the following



Provide the basking area with a heat light 85-90 degress



Wash and rinse the turtles neck well with the betadine solution and then spread a thick layer of Triple antibiotic ointment on the wound area and then dry dock her for one hour twice daily.



Do not leave her out of the water all day as she can get dehydrated.



Do not remove the ointment and place her back in clean water.

Improve her diet and stop giving Vit A supplement.



Keep her separate from the male.



I am pretty sure this should take care of the problem. If you see any other issues with her get a picture and post it. Let me know if you have any other questions



I would strongly encourage you to do lots of research on these guys. I think your vet means well but I don't believe he/she is very experienced with turtles.



Hope this helps

Linda

PS: I have enclosed yet another picture of my outdoor pond for summer use.

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