A healthy, well-maintained snake will shed its skin in one piece. Turtles are reptiles and belong to the same scientific class, Reptilia, as crocodiles, alligators, lizards, worm lizards, snakes, caimans, and the Gharial and Tuatara. Always ensure that your turtle has everything it needs for leading a healthy life. This morning my Leopard Gecko's chin was on the reptile carpet inside his hide so I could not see whether he was breathing or not and he had opened eyes. Iv,e known this trick forever and now you do. 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. He said that she was only scared, I didn't really believe him, but I he said to just leave her alone, so I did, now it's about 2 months later, and when I look at her, sometimes she only has one eyes open. That’s why I’ve created this website to share my turtle keeping knowledge with you. You can use Zoo Med’s turtle eye drops. You need to follow the instructions of the vet precisely as well as apply medications to your turtle as prescribed. half dollar..got them, one of the turtles had its eyes closed. One of the most common turtle conditions are swollen eye lids. At first glance, most eyes look the same. Reply from Shelly Please take this animal to a reptile vet because it could be quite ill. Keep it slow and steady. Turtles sleep with their eyes closed. So, whenever you see signs of eye infection on your turtle, ask the help of a vet immediately. This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have. So, this is my detailed guide on what to do if your turtle can’t open its eyes. Iguanas have several unique disease problems; understanding these problems will allow you to better care for your pet and minimize future health care problems. 16th May 2008 09:01:18. Both families are highly aquatic, and most species only … They will usually sleep in some form of shelter with their eyes closed. The severity of swollen eyelids can range from a slight reddening of the orbital and conjunctiva (around their eyes) glands and a few tears to eyes that are completely swollen shut. So, do Leopard Gecko's die with their eyes open or closed ? This relaxation impacts the muscles in the eyes and can cause some to open their eyes right before passing, and remain open after passing. I'm guessing you know that human colour vision is based around three types of light-sensitive 'cone' cells in the retina of our eyes. You will find your pet turtle snoozing 4 to 7 hours a day. The turtle will select the perfect place to rest, and it will retract into its shell and sleep with its eyelids closed. Learn more. I bought him a few days back and he is showing this behaviour from yesterday. If the tank is not suitable according to your turtle’s size, get a bigger one. They can often be ill for days or weeks before an owner may realize it. After the researchers removed the reptiles from the water but provided them with a puddle, the turtles dipped their heads and, using the water puddles as a … Some snakes experience difficult or improper shedding. If you notice that your pet has an eye or eyes that are swollen, sunken, crusty, pus under the eyelids or that they have trouble fully opening them, it’s a good indicator that something is not well. Eye infections are generally caused by bacteria. Turtles that are fed iceberg lettuce, an all-meat diet, or a poor-quality commercial diet are most likely to develop hypovitaminosis A. External lumps may be caused by abscesses, tumors, or parasites. Innes Cuthill ; Posts: 16; I can't answer for ALL turtles, but certainly some turtles have excellent colour vision that, in some ways, may be better than ours. So, when I heard about TortoiseTown, I thought I stroke a Gold Mine! ©Copyright VCA Hospitals all rights reserved. There are some lights that provide both UV-A and UV-B lighting. A turtle who shows any deviation from normal should be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. There are also other options to go for such as: feeding vitamin A enrich goods, providing a balanced nutrition, feeding puree of carrots etc. Reptile pus is usually very thick and dry, with the texture and consistency of cottage cheese. Abscesses are treated surgically. In most cases, vets prescribe a systematic antibiotic for curing turtle eye infection. In this case, bacteria travel from the water inside to the turtle’s body and cause a serious health issue. I always recommend getting a. In the case of eye infection, the vet will prescribe a systematic antibiotic. … read more Me and the other brother have done this with that turtle a lot. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. For this, give a dose or two of a supplement containing vitamin A. Otherwise, poor water quality is also a common reason for swollen turtle eyes. Treatment should only be performed under veterinary supervision, as overdose of vitamin A to treat hypovitaminosis A can occur. Shell infections can be challenging to treat but usually involve performing microscopic analysis and culture to identify what type of organism (virus, bacteria, or fungus) is causing the infection, thoroughly cleaning the shell, and treating with appropriate medications. 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 bacteria can come from the poor water of the tank or from another infected organ inside the turtle body such as infection from the respiratory tract. Feed foods that are enriched in vitamin A such as carrots, squash etc. This is another common turtle eye disease. Tortoises and terrapins usually sleep with their eyes closed. One cat I brought inside to die and he was moving all four legs like he was running for a couple of hours. If the tank is small, there is nothing you can do to keep the water quality decent. 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. No. You’ll often see fluid secreting from the eyes. Turtles: Quiet Companions, But They Still Need Attention. Shell infections can be challenging to treat. Turtles can’t open their eyes mainly because of vitamin A deficiency. I want to make sure that he is alive. Treatment of respiratory tract infections usually involves administration of antibiotics, given orally, through injection, or possibly as nose drops. So, the first thing you should do is get a proper size tank for your turtle. If the Harderian gland of the turtle shows signs of puffiness, then chances are that lack of vitamin A is the real culprit. I've had two cats, one 22 years and the other 21 years old. They are no biiger then a half dollar. … He was seeking answers about a contagious and deadly disease. If the infection is severe, or if it spreads into the lungs, causing pneumonia, the turtle will often be seen tilted to the side while swimming, as its buoyancy will be affected. It takes active muscle control to close the eyes. This is extremely important as eye infections can be indicative of larger health problems. You can click the picture below for more details. A general rule of thumb is, for every 1-inch shell length, you’ll need about 10 gallons water. If you have a turtle whose eyes are not healthy, you should contact your vet immediately. Veterinarians often can repair shell fractures. You can use Zoo med’s water conditioner which is specifically made for reptiles. Not open for further replies. Many dogs “hide” when they are sick. link to Can Turtles Sleep Outside The Water? The conjunctiva, as well as the adjacent area, will get reddish, The turtle will often try to rub its eyes or scratch them, Lots of wheezing, losing balance while swimming, Fluid secretion from mouth as well as nose, Bacteria originated from the poor condition of the tank water. Signs of disease in turtles may be specific for certain diseases, such as nasal discharge in the case of a respiratory infection. I have been keeping turtles as a pet for many years now. Their upper and lower jaws are instead covered by horny ridges. In many cases, parasitic infections do not cause any clinical signs; they are detected on a routine fecal examination. I have been keeping turtles as a pet for many years now. Eye infections can get very serious if left untreated for a long period of time. Abscesses are treated surgically. What’s too little? These infections are often secondary to trauma, burns, or bites. this is a turtle that has always been pretty lethargic, but she/he always ate what was offered so we though nothing of it. The eyes of your turtles should be fully open, clear, shiny and free of debris. Vitamin A deficiency can result in turtle not being able to open its eyes, swollen eyes, puffy eyes, etc. Vitamin A deficiency (hypovitaminosis A) occurs as a result of feeding turtles an inappropriate diet. Go for a highly efficient powerful canister filter such as the Aquatop CF500YV filter. Don’t try to do anything on your own. It is not unusual for a turtle to sleep all night and another 10 hours a day some days, then barely sleep others. Gastrointestinal parasites are treated with appropriate deworming medications. That places them back in the Triassic Period when the first of the dinosaurs began to appear. Always keep the turtle tank water clean. Gastrointestinal parasites, such as roundworms, are common in pet turtles. The eyes have always been of interest to different cultures around the world. Make sure the tank has every basic item that a turtle must need for healthy growth such as a basking area, UVB light, heat lamp, powerful filter, fresh water etc. I would recommend buying this UVA UVB combo turtle basking light. Offering live prey to a snake should be avoided, as live prey can cause severe bites and life-threatening injuries to the snake. In the middle of summer, on a muggy night, biologist Justin Perrault walked along a beach in South Florida, looking for nesting green sea turtles. It is very important that people know how to take care of them properly. It does not mean these pets do not sleep. We’re committed to keeping clients and staff safe during COVID-19 with NEW admittance and check-out processes. Whether turtle, tortoise or terrapin, a pet with four legs and a shell can make for a fine companion. Turtles are very messy animals. we are giving him floating baby turtle food pellets and he just basks. In nature, green turtles (Chelonia mydas) can exhibit nocturnal activity in addition to their typically diurnal activity cycle. The Turtle with Human Eyes. It is also necessary for the proper growth of your turtle. Called fibropapillomatosis, or FP, the disease gives sea turtles giant cauliflower-like tumors, sometimes as large as grapefruits, on their eyes, mouths and flippers, as I am sure you have seen turtles moving both in water and land. That’s why I am writing articles to share my turtle keeping knowledge with you. I need help please! Overlapping fields of view allow for limited binocular vision in some species. Myths About Eyes Opening Near Death. The real question here however is: How many hours of basking is too much? So, you need to seek the help of a reptile vet immediately. Hopefully, within a week or two, your turtle will get well and be able to open its eyes again! This is a defensive mechanism to prevent predators from spotting them in a vulnerable state. Seek immediate veterinary care if there is any deviation from normal in your pet turtle. However, many mysteries still remain. Vitamin A deficiency can cause swollen eyes, which would be difficult to open. In this case, it is better to keep the sick turtle in a quarantine tank until he is fully recovered. Anorexia can be a normal condition associated with the breeding season, egg bearing, or shedding. Anorexia can also be a symptom of an underlying environmental problem or diseases including infectious stomatitis, internal parasites, gastrointestinal blockage, intestinal infections, respiratory disease, kidney or liver failure, tumors, or gout. Very sick turtles may require intensive care, including fluid therapy and force feeding, in the hospital. Respiratory tract infections are most often caused by bacteria. link to Do Turtles Like Being Out Of Water? But ask the approval of your vet first. Contributors: Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. These little creatures seem to enjoy both areas. Joined Aug 9, 2009 Messages 47. I really believe that turtles will get more popular as a pet in the upcoming years. In time, swelling will increase and the animal will be unable to open its eyes. Depending on the cause, the vet will prescribe the necessary medications. Without UV-A and B, their health will continually get progressively worse over time, and they will ultimately die. i know that they are being kept in too small a tank, but my mother wont let me get a bigger one for them. Housed in bony orbits, the sea turtle eyes are round and located dorsally and anterolaterally (Fig 10). So, you need to give immediate attention to improving the water quality of your turtle tank. At first, an afflicted turtle may paw at its eyes but otherwise behave normally. Turtles are nocturnal, meaning they will spend most of their time during the day either sleeping or resting. You should also provide a calcium block to your turtle. When she got them, one of the turtles had it's eyes closed. Dystocia occurs when a female snake is unable to pass eggs and may require medical or surgical procedures. The vet will check for possible causes of the puffiness. 3. Anorexia means lack of appetite or refusal to eat. Generalized … The outer layer of the shell (keratin) protects the live bone underneath; the shell is an extremely important form of protection for the inner organs which are located beneath the shell. Then, be sure to feed such things as aquatic plants, dark greens, sweet potato, squash and carrots. Abscesses in turtles are often related to vitamin A deficiency. Do turtles like being out of water?Aquatic... A turtle may barely compete with cats in sleeping. My neice has 2 turtles, I think they are slider turtles. Vitamin A deficiency is treated with either oral or injectable vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency typically indicates improper nutrition that must be corrected. Medical Conditions, Parasites, Surgical Conditions, Pet Services. Topical medication, plus oral or injectable antibiotics, may also be required. Also, dead cells can gather around the eyes. Hot or … We have had people look at her. puree of carrot is an excellent home remedy to cure. Near their eyes, sea turtles possess glands that produce salty tears that rid their body of excess salt absorbed from the water they drink. If lack of vitamin A is the main reason, then the vet may dose the turtle with a vitamin A dose. Internal swellings can be caused by organ enlargement, retained eggs in species of snakes that lay eggs, tumors, or even constipation. Ensure that your turtle is getting a nutrient-rich diet which is diverse and consists of a full nutritional profile. my problem is that one of the turtles now will not open his/her eyes. Healthy turtle eyes should be clear, open, and shiny. Most stores fail to keep their deadline, also the collection is LAME. Turtles have rigid beaks and use their jaws to cut and chew food. The second thing to look out for is the filtration system of the tank. I think it was involuntary. That's why some of the material we throw up can come out of our nose, Figgener says. So, you need to choose a filter that fully cope up with the load of the turtle. now this has popped up but i seem to be the only one concerned about it. Gastrointestinal parasites are treated with deworming medications. The passageways for food and air are connected in a turtle just like they are in people. Sea turtles around the world have been studied to help collect information about their growth rates, reproductive cycles and migration routes. They would also prefer to sleep in some form of shelter, for example underneath a piece of driftwood. They both died with eyes and mouth open while lying on their side. Abscesses often develop in turtles’ ears, and they appear as large swellings on the sides of the head, just behind the eyes. Make sure the filter can cope up with the load of the tank. They have more than 30 turtle species with a 7 Day Health Guarantee! Your veterinarian may recommend taking radiographs (X-rays) and running blood tests and cultures to determine the cause of the infection. 5 Year Member. Many animals and people carry these bacteria without showing any clinical signs, yet they shed the bacteria in their feces and serve as a source of infection for others. They produce a lot of waste than other aquarium inhabitants such as fish. With passing away, there are a few myths around why someone may die with their eyes open. In turtles, most respiratory tract infections are caused by bacteria and are often secondary to vitamin A deficiency. Turtle swollen eyes is generally the result of a deficiency of vitamin A or poor water quality. If the filtration system is poor, then the water will get dirty very quickly. Snakes commonly develop lumps and bumps either on their skin or within their bodies. Want to learn about small pet turtles that stay small? Sea turtle, any of seven species of marine turtles belonging to the families Dermochelyidae (leatherback sea turtles) and Cheloniidae (green turtles, flatback sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, hawksbills, and ridleys). Basically, you’ll have to ask the help of a vet immediately as there is nothing you can do to help him on your own. How are their eyes different and how does it benefit them? But where do they feel more comfortable? It will help to keep the water safe for your turtles. If left untreated for a long period of time, the eyelids can get so swollen that the. The type of parasite identified on a microscopic analysis of the stool will determine which drug is needed. The most basic requirements for a turtle tank is a spacious tank, a powerful filter, a sturdy basking place, a heat lamp, a UVB bulb and some hiding place. Aug 11, 2010 #1 jhaparth2006 Member. Vitamin A deficiency can result in turtle not being able to open its eyes, swollen eyes, puffy eyes, etc. Why do cats die with their eyes and mouth open? Can’t he open his eyes? It is not common for a turtle to sleep with its eyes open. Let me know if you have any question in the comment box below! This site is owned and operated by Muntaseer Rahman. Many turtles with respiratory tract infections also have underlying vitamin A deficiency that requires correction. I’ve fallen in love with these cute pets from the moment I saw them. Abscesses (infected, pus-filled swellings within a tissue of the body) appear as hard, tumor-like swellings anywhere on the skin or within the pet's body. Evaluation of vision is best accomplished with an in-water examination and reaction to stimulus such as avoidance behavior and tracking of food placed in the water column on either side of the animal. If vitamin A deficiency is the problem, this should take care of it fairly quickly. Common conditions of pet turtles include vitamin A deficiency, respiratory diseases, abscesses, shell infections, shell fractures, and parasites. Vitamin A deficiency occurs as a result of feeding turtles an inappropriate diet. (The same is true of humans.) Poor water quality is the number one reason for turtle eye infection. I’ve fallen in love with these cute pets from the moment I saw them. More commonly, signs of illness are non-specific, such as a turtle with lack of appetite and lethargy, which can be seen with many diseases.