My baby RES has swollen eyes, white patches, won't eat. What to do?

This can be due to vitamin A deficiency, infection, poor water quality or lighting that is too intense/direct. You can address environmental concerns but you may need a vet to diagnose and treat infection or deficiency. Feeding a commercial turtle food along with fresh veggies and greens (or prey) will help balance the diet. Vitamin and mineral supplementation is also recommended. Click on the link below for more information. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

For closed eyes, instill 1-2 drops per eye once daily for a week. For maintenance, it is 1-2 drops per per once weekly. Swollen eyes can be due to infection, trauma or vitamin deficiency (typically vitamin A). Maintain pristine water quality during treatment. Consider a temporary 5-10 degree F increase in temperature to aid in recovery. If the eyes do not improve, have Kiwi examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose and treat infection or injury.

Check the water temperature and ambient temperature. Low temps can affect appetite and activity in reptiles. Keep the water between 24 C and 30 C. A basking spot out of the water should be 29 C to 31 C. UVB lighting should also be provided. Maintain water quality to prevent infections and feed an appropriate diet with vitamin and mineral supplementation. A vitamin A deficiency can cause swelling of the eyes. Repti-Turtle Eye Drops (by Zoo Med) can be used to help the eyes. Find it online or in the local pet store. Soak the little guy in a 50/50 mix of warm water and an electrolyte replacement beverage to maintain hydration. You can read more about care here: http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

Hi, and thank you for this question. Smudgy's condition sounds serious, and cannot be treated at home. He will have to be examined by a vet ASAP and will likely need some medication as well as supportive care. The vet would also have several options of getting food into him (e.g. by inserting a feeding tube).

Nemo likely has an ocular infection and so is painful and uncomfortable and not wanting to eat. He most likely needs some antibiotic ointment for his eyes and possible an injectable antibiotic as well. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Semsem. Another veterinarian to visit is recommended or maybe your present veterinarian can consult with a reptile veterinarian. Vitamin A deficiencies can often lead to ocular changes and inappetence. Check and correct water quality, water and basking site temperatures and UVB exposure. Review diet and improve if deficient. Systemic antibiotics, a vitamin A injection and eye ointments might be needed. Good luck.

Unfortunately what i can tell you from your description and the pic is that this presentation is likely to be due to a severe conjunctivitis, probably secondary to a trauma or infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well and eye must be fully examined. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.