I'm really worried and could use some advice. My little turtle, Shelby, won't open her eyes, and it's breaking my heart. I've had her for two years, and she's usually so lively and curious, but now she's just sitting there with her eyes shut tight. She didn’t even react to her favorite food today, and that’s never happened before. I've checked her tank setup - water temperature and filter seem fine, so I don't know what's going wrong. I've read online that it could be a vitamin deficiency or something serious, but I'm anxious to hear from anyone who’s been through something similar. Shelby is more than just a pet to me; she's family. Any advice you guys could give would really mean the world to me. Thank you!
Hi there! I'm sorry to hear about your turtle's eye issues. There can be several reasons why your turtle isn't opening its eyes, but let's take it step by step to help you out.
One common cause is Vitamin A deficiency, which can lead to swelling around the eyes. Make sure your turtle's diet includes leafy greens and vegetables to help with this. Another possibility is an environmental issue, like improper water temperatures or dirty tank conditions, which can cause irritation or infection. Ensuring the water is clean and kept at the appropriate temperature is crucial.
Turtles can also develop eye infections, which might need more specific treatment. You can try gently rinsing your turtle's eyes with a saline solution to see if this helps.
Watch out for any other symptoms like lethargy, changes in appetite, or discharge from the eyes, as these could indicate a more serious health issue.
If your turtle's eyes remain closed or if you notice any of these concerning signs, it's important to seek further veterinary advice.
Feel free to book a video consult with Dial A Vet if you need more personalized guidance or if the situation doesn't improve. We're here to help!
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