Urgent Care :: Turtle rubbing his eyes

[nfnsprite]

Sometimes I'll find my turtle sleeping--either first thing in the morning or an afternoon nap. And when he wakes up, it seems like he's having difficulty opening his eyes. It looks like he'll try to open them and then he'll rub them with his foot. Once he's awake and in the water they look fine. But I'm a little worried about why this would happen.

[Vivi]

can you take a pic with his eyes closed? he could have swollen eyes. whats his setup like?

[nfnsprite]

I don't have a digital camera to take any photos. But he had swollen eyes last year when he had an RI, and they look nothing like that. He is in a 90-gallon tank, which is new, with another little turtle. They have a fluval filter, floating dock with UV light above it and some plants and a cave. I think their set-up is correct. The temperatures are fine. The other turtle in there is fine too. It's just this whole eye-rubbing thing is new. He didn't start doing this until recently.

[marisa]

From what you wrote it sounds like he does this when he's been out of the water for a while (your post says that when he's in the water he's fine)? If so, it sounds like his eyes could have gotten a bit dried out from being out of the water.

What's the temp of the basking area? If it's too warm it could be contributing to his dry eyes.

His eyes appear healthy otherwise?

[nfnsprite]

Yeah his eyes are really clear and he seems alert. It is definitely something he only does when he's out of water and after he's been sleeping. It just seems like after they are closed for awhile, he has trouble opening them again. They don't look foggy or anything though. Just wondering if they are bothering him. The basking area is close to 90 degrees, the water is just under 80. He is about 10 months old. I give him carrots for Vitamin A. He picks at them a little bit but they aren't his favorite thing to eat. If it is too dry causing his eyes to be itchy, is there something I can do about that?

[marisa]

Increase the humidity. Is the air dry where you are? Is he in a room with AC?

[nfnsprite]

Yeah he IS in a room with an air conditioner. And I've just started running the air conditioner recently--the eye rubbing started soon after. I hadn't even thought about that!

[marisa]

Be care of having turtles in a room with AC. It dries and chills the air, and it is possible for a turtle to develop an RI if the tank happens to be in the path of a cool breeze or draft. (On another site a member's turtle got pneumonia from being too near the vent.)

[nfnsprite]

Ok, so I haven't had to run the AC for the past two days because it's been pretty nice here. But things with my turtle have gotten worse anyway! It's just his left eye. It's starting to look puffy. I take really good care of their water, so it's always clear. Is this still the dry air or a vitamin deficiency? Should I use the cod liver oil?

[steve]

i have no experience with the cod liver, but there are a few cases on this forum.. just search for it. are you using a water conditioner and what is the quality of the tap over there? clear water doesn't always mean clean water... i would more likely suspect an infection than a deficiency.

[nfnsprite]

The water conditioner I'm using is called ReptiSafe. I just use tap water and it's pretty good here in the city. Should I try filtering it though? I've been using the same water and conditioner since I've had him--for about ten months. And there is another turtle in there with him who is fine. I do think that my turtle with the puffy eye is more sensitive and fragile than the other one though.

[steve]

ReptiSafe is good. From some of the previous posts, it sounds like you've got a good setup. I would try the cod liver, but also be prepared to see a vet if it doesn't work. You're also right, not all RES are the same.

[nfnsprite]

Yes, I do have a good setup, which is why this is so confusing! I was so clueless when I first got these little guys but have really worked hard to make a good home for them by reading everything and finding a good vet and participating on this board. I will get some cod liver oil first thing tomorrow and let you know how it goes! And luckily I do have an excellent vet in case things don't clear up.

[nfnsprite]

Ok so I was quite busy this morning! I had to go to four stores before finding cod liver oil. If anyone ever needs any, I recommend going to Whole Foods. They were fully stocked with all different kinds. So I applied some to my baby's eyes and had him sit out of the water for a bit so it wouldn't immediately wash off. I'll let you know if it works! I have separated him for his aquarium-mate, who is a bigger turtle that has a tendency to be a bully every now and then. Hopefully this will allow him to de-stress and heal in peace.

[steve]

OK, did you search on how people applied the liver? Most mentioned it was to the eyelid, not directly to the eye so be careful about that. Also, I think some add a tiny bit to the food as well, again you'll need to search for that to get a general idea.