The Diagnostic and Medication Processes for Aquatic Turtles
(Part -1 “Eye Problems”)
As with any pet we keep and care for (turtles included), there are sometimes situations that come up where medical/veterinary assistance is helpful, or indeed, required. Aquatic and Terrestrial turtle species, like most animals, have certain illness’s and conditions that are common to their particular genera. When one of these conditions arise, it is helpful to have a local veterinarian who is knowledgeable in the diagnostic and medication processes for turtles. We, as professionals in our industry, always advocate seeking out experienced and qualified veterinary professionals who have devoted their lives and careers to addressing and correcting the very problems you could be experiencing.
But having said that, what happens when situations arise where veterinary intervention is just not possible? Maybe there are no vets local to you who are specifically involved in treating reptiles. Maybe the time or distance makes an appointment impossible, or maybe it’s just honestly the relatively high cost of treatment that makes this assistance unrealistic. In any case, when you find yourself at this point, there are only two courses of action available to you: 1-Sit back and “let nature take its course” -or 2- take the initiative to try something you can do to help your ailing turtle. The following article and the information it contains is presented to educate you so that you may become familiar with some specific conditions common to Aquatic and Terrestrial turtles.
By understanding the basics you will know what to watch for and what questions to ask your veterinarian should problems arise. And in the cases where proper veterinary intervention is (for whatever reason) out of the question, this information may help point you in the right direction in caring for your ill turtle.
Preventive Care: Proper everyday maintenance is always the best way to cure a problem before it happens, A clean healthy environment, correct lighting and warmth, and proper nutrition are all keys to maintaining a situation where your turtles can remain strong and healthy. Take care to provide the suggested UVA-UVB lighting, good ambient and directional heating, and effective water filtration. And always feed a diet that is formulated Specifically for Aquatic Turtles – TropicZone Aquatic Turtle Diets are a good example of a high quality, fully supplemented turtle diet. Vitamin A deficiencies (and the associated health problems) are common in turtles not maintained on a consistent pelleted formulation which provides this, and other important nutrients. Be aware that dietary deficiencies from an improper diet have all been linked to increases in disease, illness, and early deaths. A proper Diet cannot be understated.
The Basics:
Where we can certainly not review every possible problem you can encounter with your turtles, we can definitely look at the most common issues that veterinarians deal with on a daily basis.
In this, Part-1 of the Turtle-Tech series: “The Diagnostic and Medication Processes for Aquatic Turtles”, we will take an overview of problematic issues that turtles encounter with the eyes (including physical injury, irritations, and complications with upper respiratory infections).
In Part-2 of this series, we will look more closely at issues involving the shell: discolorations, bacterial infections, and Physical damage or wounds. This article can be viewed on the Turtle-Tech Blog under the “Care and Husbandry” category. Again, this information should help point you in the right direction for treatment, whether professional or self-administered.
Eye Problems in Aquatic Turtles:
A very common ailment found in aquatic turtles (and turtles in general) is usually recognized as “Swollen eyes”. This is generally described as turtles who’s eye or eyes appear puffy, red, runny, swollen closed, or a combination of some or all. Swollen eyes normally take on three basic forms (though there can be others). The first is simple physical injuries, the second being eye “irritations”, and finally, true eye infections (including complications from upper respiratory problems). We will look at these three individually, but first a note on temperature. It is important to remember that if the turtle is showing signs of swollen eyes and general inactivity the first step is to check all temperatures within the enclosure. Inadequate warmth can easily place a turtle into a state of reduced activity. When a turtle becomes too cool (or cold) he will become inactive, refuse to feed, and can usually be seen with eyes shut and puffy. If this be the case, your turtle is not sick, just cold. A slow steady return to higher recommended temperatures will increase his body metabolism, return his active state, and resume his feeding pattern. Eyes should become active and normal with the return of normal body temps. If this is not the case however, you will need to look to other sources for the swollen eyes.
1) Eye damage through injury is a possible issue that can affect all turtles. This is usually caused by the turtles eye coming into contact with a sharp object (including the nails of other tank mates) and generally effects only the one eye. This can leave a scratch or scrape on eye or lid. In normal healthy conditions, turtles with small ocular abrasions generally heal on their own within a short time (as long as no infection sets in). If the injury is extensive however, or infection sets in, other more directed care can be initiated. This can involve the use of topical (ophthalmic) antibiotics, oral antibiotics, or a combination of both.
2) Eye irritations can be caused by a few familiar sources, most commonly it comes from agents in the aquarium water, usually chlorine or chloramine from a recent water change or possibly (it has been suggested) ultra-high concentrations of nitrates or ammonia in the water. If the tap water being used for water changes is treated with common chlorine, this usually dissipates quickly with no real lasting effect on the turtles, although the combining of chlorine and turtle urine (ammonia) in the water can cause a temporary eye irritation similar to the “red eye” we sometimes experience from swimming in a public pool treated with chlorine. If the tap water being used contains chloramines, these too are likely to irritate the turtles eyes for a period of time until they too breakdown and dissipate. Using spring water, well water, or some other form of non-treated water is always safest for your turtles eyes. If the turtles aquarium has not cycled properly or has a nonfunctioning biological filter, high ammonia buildup from the turtles waste can also become an irritant to the eyes. The best cure for these issues are to have a stable aquarium, with a working biological filter bed to process the turtles waste, and to preform 25% water changes monthly (or more often if necessary), with non-chlorine/chloramine treated water. Certain water conditioners that process these chemical additives can also assist in reducing these irritants.
Another possible irritant to the eyes that is commonly overlooked is over exposure to high UV lighting, remember to follow manufactures instructions as to the intensities of the bulbs you use and the proper distancing of your turtles UV lighting unit. A proper hiding area for terrestrial turtles can allow them a break from the light waves, and aquatic turtles can simply submerge into the water (as water disperses the waves). Dehydration can also cause the eyes to “dry out” and become irritated and puffy, this most normally effects terrestrial turtles such as Box turtles and Aquatic Turtles that are forced to remain out of the water for extended periods of time. Box turtle environments should maintain proper humidity levels to prevent “dry eyes” and Aquatic Turtles should have normal access to water.
3) True Eye Infections are most commonly caused by pathogenic bacteria, and generally will not cure up quickly without some form of assistance. In these cases both eyes will usually be effected, they are generally noted as being red, swollen, puffy, and at times releasing a whitish milky mucus. These conditions can be isolated to just the eyes (as an eye infection only) or simply be a symptom of a more deep seated (advanced) upper respiratory infection. Upper respiratory infections generally involve more than just the eyes however, in these cases mucus can sometimes be seen exiting the mouth and/or nostrils, and in some extreme cases involve the swelling of the ear cannels as well. A common giveaway to upper respiratory problems can be seen in a turtle who must open its mouth to breath or “bubbling” of the nose. Many times, both these infections are found in conjunction with Vitamin A deficiencies, but as we reviewed above, if the bulk of the turtles diet consists of a properly supplemented pelleted diet this should not be the case. If however the turtles diet has been deficient, a Vitamin A deficiency can be a possible contributor to the breakdown of the immune system and the resulting infection. An experienced veterinarian will usually give the ailing turtle vitamin A supplementation just to make sure the turtles immune system is supported and any deficiencies corrected. If you feel that your turtle may have a Vitamin A deficiency there are oral vitamins that can be used to help correct the problem, take care not to exceed the manufactures recommendations for dosage as too much vitamin A can also be dangerous. Do NOT soak your turtle in carrot juice, as is sometimes suggested by amateur turtle keepers, this does nothing to help the situation and can cause additional irritation and infection.
Possible treatments depend on whether you are dealing with a primary eye infection or a complete upper respiratory tract infection. If you believe the issue to be a primary eye infection, there are topical antibiotics known as “ophthalmic’s” that are designed to safely medicate the eye. Terramycin, Neomycin, or Gentamicin are all available in ophthalmic ointments or drops from various veterinary supply outlets. All of these apply directly to the infected eye area and have proven very effective against bacterial infection. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use.
If you are dealing with an upper respiratory infection, where more than just the eyes are involved, many care givers will use a two-step treatment. The first is to medicate the eyes separately as mentioned above, the second is to add an oral antibiotic to the treatment process to address the internal infection. There are dozens of choices available through the veterinary supply, from more basic Tetracycline or Erythromycin all the way through to Baytril (a heavy hitter). Many reptile professionals have had excellent results with the 2.5% and the 10% Baytril oral solutions. Again, follow the manufacturers direction for dosing.
Setting up to medicate
During medication it is vital that the turtle is comfortable and supported properly with correct lighting and heating. His body metabolism and immune system must be kept active so he can, with the help of the medication, recover to a healthy state. One way to accomplish this is to place the turtle in a flat plastic container with enough water to allow him to drink, but not drown. He must remain hydrated so he must take in water through the mouth (articles suggesting turtles can take in sufficient water through the skin or cloaca are incorrect). The surrounding area should reflect a temperature of 80-85 degrees, so that he will remain warm and his body metabolism active. This can be done with a heat lamp placed back from the container (so no overheating takes place) or a heating pad placed under the container. Always have a proper thermometer handy to assure correct water/air temps. It is best to not attempt feeding the turtle during treatment.
Treatment times vary considerably depending on the progression of the illness, the effectiveness of the treatment, and the overall strength of the turtle and his immune system. Generally 10-14 days will decide the outcome.
If you have caught the problem in time you will have a good chance at a positive result. If professional veterinary assistance was just not an option for you, then at the very least you have taken the best course open to you. Your turtle couldn’t ask for more than that.
For further information on “The Diagnostic and Medication Processes for Aquatic Turtles” please visit:
“The Diagnostic and Medication Processes for Aquatic Turtles”– Part 2
On the…
copyright 2021 TropicZone Use by permission www.tropiczoneproducts.com
