As a pet box turtle owner, ensuring your reptile friend stays happy and healthy is a top priority. One common health issue to watch for is swollen eyes, which can cause vision problems, irritation, infections and more. Swollen eyes in box turtles can result from various causes, including improper habitat conditions, lack of vitamins, and injuries. Being able to recognize, treat and prevent this condition is key to keeping your shelled pal in good shape.
Symptoms of Swollen Eyes in Box Turtles
How can you tell if your box turtle is suffering from swollen eyes? Here are some key symptoms to watch for:
- Eyes appear puffy and enlarged compared to normal
- Swelling seems to be getting worse over time
- Conjunctiva (membrane around the eyes) looks red and inflamed
- Cloudy discharge or fluids coming from the eyes
- Eyes are swollen completely shut
- Turtle seems unable to open eyes fully
- Loss of vision or unresponsiveness to visual stimuli
In severe cases, swollen eyes can cause complete blindness and may prevent the turtle from being able to find and consume food properly. Rapid weight loss, lethargy and lack of appetite can indicate a turtle is having trouble seeing. Always monitor your pet closely and contact a vet promptly if any eye issues arise.
What Causes Swollen Eyes in Box Turtles?
There are several potential causes for swollen eyes in box turtles:
Incorrect Humidity Levels
Box turtles require specific humidity ranges to stay healthy (30-60% for ornate box turtles, 60-80% for other species). If the enclosure humidity drops too low, it can result in dry, irritated eyes.
Respiratory Infections
Bacterial, viral or fungal respiratory infections can cause swelling and discharge in the eyes.
Vitamin A Deficiency
Lack of vitamin A leads to epithelial tissue damage that allows eye infections to develop.
Eye Injuries
Cuts, scratches or trauma to the eyes from sharp decor, tankmates, etc. can trigger swelling and infection.
Dehydration
Lack of water intake causes eyes to become dry and swollen.
Unsanitary Water
Bacteria or fungi in dirty tank water can infect the eyes.
Improper Substrates
Dry, dusty substrates may irritate the eyes over time.
Temperature Extremes
Cold temperatures prevent box turtles from regulating body heat properly, stressing body systems.
Improper Lighting
Excess UV or heat from bulbs that are too close can burn the eyes.
Treating Swollen Eyes in Box Turtles
If your pet box turtle has developed swollen eyes, here are some treatment options:
Improve Enclosure Conditions
Ensure proper temperatures, lighting, humidity, sanitation and hydration access. Eliminate irritants like dusty substrate. Disinfect decor and accessories.
Topical Medications
Eye drops, ointments and flushes from a vet can treat infections.
Antibiotics
Oral or injectable antibiotics prescribed by a vet can clear bacterial, fungal or parasitic eye infections.
Vitamin A Supplements
Vitamin A injections, powders or drops can help deficiency-related eye issues.
Abscess Draining
Abscesses related to respiratory infections may need surgical draining by a vet.
Supportive Care
Assist feedings, fluid therapy and pain management may be needed if turtle cannot see to eat.
Always work closely with an experienced reptile vet to choose the best treatment options for your box turtle’s specific eye condition. Permanent damage can occur if swollen eyes are left untreated.
Preventing Swollen Eyes in Box Turtles
Stop swollen eyes before they start by ensuring optimal care for your box turtle. Here are some key prevention tips:
-
Maintain proper temperatures and humidity levels in the habitat
-
Use appropriate substrates like sphagnum moss that hold moisture
-
Give a varied, vitamin A-rich diet including veggies, greens and occasional animal protein
-
Provide a 12-14 hour daily light cycle with UVB lighting
-
Change water frequently and disinfect tank regularly
-
Avoid sharp decor that could scratch eyes
-
Check for and remove stuck shed around eyes
-
Limit handling to reduce stress
-
Quarantine new turtles before introducing them
-
Schedule annual checkups to catch issues early
With attentive care and husbandry, box turtles can enjoy excellent eye health throughout their long lifespans. Act quickly if swelling occurs, and work with your herp vet to resolve the issue. Your watchful eye will keep your shelled friend happy and able to admire their surroundings for years to come!
What are the signs of these diseases?
Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus due to an improper diet, lack of adequate ultraviolet (UV) light, or a combination of poor diet and insufficient UV light. Signs of MBD in box turtles usually include either a misshapen shell or deformed bones in 1 or all 4 legs. Turtles affected with MBD will grow slowly and often never grow to full adult size.
Vitamin A deficiency (hypovitaminosis A) occurs when turtles are fed an inappropriate diet. Turtles that are fed iceberg lettuce, an all-meat diet, or a poor-quality commercial diet are most likely to develop hypovitaminosis A. Lack of vitamin A produces changes in the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and in the mucus-producing glands and membranes lining the mouth, eyes, kidneys, and upper respiratory tract. Symptoms include a lack of appetite, lethargy, swelling of the eyelids (often with a pus-like discharge), swelling of the ear (due to the formation of an ear abscess), kidney failure, and respiratory infections.
In turtles, most respiratory tract infections are caused by either mycoplasma (a type of bacteria) or bacterial infection secondary to a viral infection. The most common viral infection in box turtles is caused by an alphaherpesvirus. Respiratory infections are often secondary to vitamin A deficiency, as well. Turtles with respiratory infections may have excess mucus in their mouths (seen as bubbles in the mouth, nose, and eyes), nasal discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, wheezing, extension of the neck to breathe, and open-mouth breathing or gasping.
Abscesses are infected, pus-filled swellings within a body tissue, and appear as hard, tumor-like swellings anywhere on the skin or within the pets body. Reptile pus is usually very thick and dry, with the texture and consistency of cottage cheese. Abscesses often develop in turtles’ ears or oral cavity, and they appear as large swellings on the sides of the head, just behind the eyes or on the roof of the mouth. Abscesses in turtles are often related to vitamin A deficiency. Abscesses in the oral cavity will generally cause a thick nasal discharge and/or mucus to form around the sides of the mouth.
Shell infection (shell rot) is often encountered in turtles, due to bacteria, fungi, or parasites. These infections are often secondary to trauma, burns, or bites. Some of these infections can penetrate deep into the layers of the shell, causing ulcers or pitting of the shell or extension into the bone below. The outer layer of the shell (keratin) protects the living bone underneath; the shell provides extremely important protection for the inner organs, which are located beneath the shell.
Gastrointestinal parasites, such as roundworms, are common in pet turtles. In many cases, parasitic infections do not cause any clinical signs; they are detected on a routine fecal examination. With severe infection, parasites may cause diarrhea or weight loss and may require treatment.
What are some common diseases of pet box turtles?
Common conditions of pet turtles include metabolic bone disease (MBD), vitamin A deficiency, respiratory diseases, abscesses, shell infections, shell fractures, and parasites.
How to Treat Turtle Swollen Eyes and Eye Infections
FAQ
How do you treat a turtle’s swollen eye?
Use artificial tears or opthalmic antibiotic ointment 3 times a day for 2 to 4 weeks. With mild cases a few drops of cod liver oil added to the food twice a week should clear it up. Otherwise a vitamin A injection administered by a vet will be required.
What does a sick box turtle look like?
Signs of MBD in box turtles usually include either a misshapen shell or deformed bones in 1 or all 4 legs. Turtles affected with MBD will grow slowly and often never grow to full adult size. Vitamin A deficiency (hypovitaminosis A) occurs when turtles are fed an inappropriate diet.
How do you get rid of swollen eyes fast?
- applying a cold compress to their eyes.
- applying cucumber slices to their eyes.
- applying tea bags to their eyes.
- using an eye roller.
- massaging the eye area.
- drinking plenty of water.
What is a box turtle facial inflammation syndrome?
Characterized by inflammation and infections in the ears, eyes, and nose. Abscesses, which look like a bulge on the side of the head. These can be quite large and are very painful. Some turtles will scratch or rub them.