Russian Tortoise Eye Infection

Hello, I was wondering how to treat my young Russian tortoises eye infection. Her eye is sort of swollen and closed, and slightly more pink than the other eye. She rubs it often and it waters. I soak her most of the time daily, in baby warm water, for 10-20 minutes. I feed her daily a tortoise salad that includes romaine lettuce (daily) kale (almost every day) broccoli (almost daily) shredded carrot (almost daily) cabbage (rarely) and endive (rarely). I have a heat lamp that has a UVB light, and I try to give her anywhere from 8-14 hours of light a day. I have only had her for a little over two months, and she is not fully grown. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks!

Comments for Russian Tortoise Eye Infection

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May 24, 2014
Tortoise Eye Infection Cure
by: Russian Tortoise Rescuer

I rescued a Russian Tortoise with an eye that was almost swollen shut due to an infection. I read a bunch of comments online and decided to do this from everything I read... I blended up carrots until they were almost juiced. I then diluted it with some water in a container and soaked my RT for about 25 min. The eye infection and puffiness completely went away. I do not know if it was maybe from my RT consuming extra vitamins from the carrot juice or if maybe it was getting in her eye during soaking but her eye completely cleared up!

Jan 04, 2010
Beware of EBay drugs
by: Shelly

I would not buy any medication from Ebay. If there is any problem with the medication, you could do serious damage. The only reputable place to buy medications is from a doctor or pharmacist.

Keep it slow and steady.

Jan 04, 2010
Terramycin
by: Anonymous

I have the same problem although my tortoises eye isn't closed yet, just coated. But Ive been researching and a product called Terramycin has been recommended for tortoises with eye infections or conjuctivitis. U can get it on eBay but make sure you get the liquid not the powders etc as it'll be easier to use, it is what they give cats and dogs for the same problems but I read on the tortoise trust site that you can use it for them too, but if it's eye doesn't clear up or show signs of looking clearer I would take it to the vets - can't be too careful.

Feb 22, 2009
Tortoise Eye Infection
by: Shelly

An infection may need antibiotics. For that you will need a vet.

If the infection is not too entrenched, wiping the eye with a saline solution may help.

But I would also see a vet.

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