Urgent Care :: eye problem

[5resmom]

I have 5 baby res in a 55 gal heated 86-90 degree, inwater filter tank w/divider (some are larger and are aggressive). One baby is not opening his eyes and is sleeping all the time - since three days ago. My vet is on holiday - any advice is appreciated. I bought the res on Fulton St. in Manhattan in August 06. Some have grown quite a bit and are very healthy, but this one is still small.

[grey goose]

Sounds like a respiratory infection, but I can't imagine he got a chill with the water temps that high. Max water temp should be 82F. It's way too warm in that tank which could cause aggression, espesilly at feeding time. Plus with 5 turts (divided or not) its slightly overcrowded, assuming they are all babies. I think he needs to get to a vet very soon.....Is he eating at all?

[5resmom]

he hasn't eaten in two days. I have a call into the vet. I read others had similar problems due to adding a new flourescent light, which is what I did, so hopefully with eye drops and a visit to the vet, he'll recover. I do need more space - who knew! I had a turtle for 10 years that walked around my house and I put him in a tub to eat and he would let me know he was thirsty. Smaller turts are much more challenging. Thanks for your advice.

[Kallistos]

You should knock the temperature down to 82 as grey goose said. When is the vet appointment? It's always best to take them to the vet and I'm very happy that you are going to.

[5resmom]

I actually had a regular check-up visit scheduled for the turts on 1/13, but then this happened and my vet went on vacation. I am taking him to the vet tomorrow. He reacts to my voice and his head is up and out of the water, so I don't think he's at a critical stage. I've been adding vitamins to the water and also giving him some gatorade - the vet says they like the red flavor - but only 0.5 mg. Believe me, if there were a place I could take him now we'd be there.

[TheOneCalledRed]

I can relate to that swollen eye dilema, I lost two turtles to that illness. Get him help right away by buying those special drops that are used to treat the eyes and if that doesn't work take him to the vet. If you wait around for too long it is likely the turtle will starve to death.

[fungke]

hello all.
i am new to the forum and joined because my girlfriend's turtle exhibits the same symptoms. the turtle is still small. she has not eaten and sleeps all the time. the water temperature is at 82F but she stays above water all the time and sleeps. she won't even eat. you mentioned eye drops, where do i pick this up in toronto? or...what do i ask for?

we are debating seeing the vet but the costs is a factor.

any help would be much appreciated.

[missibsu]

I responded to your other post. In the other post you didn't mention any eye problems. If they eyes are just closed because she is sleeping all the time, then I wouldn't go the route with the eyedrops.

[marisa]

fungke, given what you wrote about your turtle, I'd seriously consider taking him to a herp vet. It sounds like he needs more than just eye drops.

[fungke]

sorry...i forgot the mention the eye problem in my other post.
the thing is that i think it is more a respiratory problem than eye.
her eyes are not swollen....they are just closed the majority of the time.

[marisa]

If it's a respiratory problem, he really should be seen by a herp vet.