Concerned (eye problem, not eating)

Maisey

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Hi.
I have an approximate 6 month to a year old tortoise. He seems to be going through a shed as he has white marks around his eyes but he seems to be struggling to open one of his eyes, right now he has one eye fully open whilst the other is just slightly open. His half closed eye is watery and I have noticed this with both eyes over the past few days.
He does not seem as interested in his food at the moment either, though he is eating but I am getting rather concerned.
I bath him everyday which seems to help but it is not curing the problem, does anyone know what may be causing this or have any ideas on how to make him better?
Thanks.
 

IBeenEasy

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Hi.
I have an approximate 6 month to a year old tortoise. He seems to be going through a shed as he has white marks around his eyes but he seems to be struggling to open one of his eyes, right now he has one eye fully open whilst the other is just slightly open. His half closed eye is watery and I have noticed this with both eyes over the past few days.
He does not seem as interested in his food at the moment either, though he is eating but I am getting rather concerned.
I bath him everyday which seems to help but it is not curing the problem, does anyone know what may be causing this or have any ideas on how to make him better?
Thanks.
this could be a simple problem, result of bad lighting, to much of bright lighting, or other health problems that may be more serious, does he have access to water 24/7 ? and what is your lighting set up?
 

Maisey

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Sorry yes a red foot, his is on a diet if fruit and vegetables alternative days plus one day protein which he normally get a boiled egg. His humidity could be higher to be honest though it is 60 and I do spray it at least 3 times a day.
 

IBeenEasy

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Sorry yes a red foot, his is on a diet if fruit and vegetables alternative days plus one day protein which he normally get a boiled egg. His humidity could be higher to be honest though it is 60 and I do spray it at least 3 times a day.
red foots do accept more fruits and would eat more fruits in the wild then other species but should be one a staple diet of multi types of greens , but what is the torts staple diet?
 

Maisey

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He has a UV bulb approximately 1 month old, a heat bulb that is red if that makes a difference. He is a fussy eater but he does eat and he is has access to water and bathing 247.
His diet varies, he is fed romaine lettuce, basil, mint, dandelions, pepper, chicory etc, I try to vary it as much as possible and the same with his fruits, the most common fruit is feed is strawberry, as well a blue berries but he also gets banana and apple and general citrus fruits when I buy them.
 

naturalman91

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feeding every other day fruit is a little to much fruit even for a redfoot and animal protein should be more of about once a month to once MAYBE every 2 weeks thing if he's picky try dicing up the foods he likes really small and hiding them under greens he doesn't like

what type of uvb bulb are you using some uvb bulbs are known to cause blindness
 

Maisey

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Okay thank you i'll only feed fruit a couple of times a week, I have read a lot online but it is so hard to know what is right and what is not. I cannot remember what type of bulb I bought him, could you please advise me a decent one and i'll buy a new one tomorrow. I have also read strip lighting is better than bulbs is that true?
 

IBeenEasy

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Okay thank you i'll only feed fruit a couple of times a week, I have read a lot online but it is so hard to know what is right and what is not. I cannot remember what type of bulb I bought him, could you please advise me a decent one and i'll buy a new one tomorrow. I have also read strip lighting is better than bulbs is that true?
yea if you are going to buy a new uvb set up, go spend the extra money and get the strip, theres been alot of rumors about the twisted bulbs causing problems and releasing harmful rays and things like that, go with the strip uvb set up, if his eyes look like they are still bothering him, give him a warm soak, keep his lights (not heat lamp) off for a day and keep humidity up, humidity will keep his shell , eyes, and skin hydrated. then see if his eyes improve, if not he might need a quick check up
 

Maisey

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Thanks, I have bought a new uv bulb but not a strip light now as he just wouldn't move at all last night and I wanted something ASAP. The new uv seems to be making a difference already to his eyes. I'm going weed/flower picking tonight to try and get new foods to convince him to eat. I have also bought a new calcium supplement as his precious one didn't contain vitamin d3. I have also got some reptiboost to bath him in to attempt to help him. I just hope now he pulls through. Thanks so much for all your help, I really appreciate it.
 

IBeenEasy

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Thanks, I have bought a new uv bulb but not a strip light now as he just wouldn't move at all last night and I wanted something ASAP. The new uv seems to be making a difference already to his eyes. I'm going weed/flower picking tonight to try and get new foods to convince him to eat. I have also bought a new calcium supplement as his precious one didn't contain vitamin d3. I have also got some reptiboost to bath him in to attempt to help him. I just hope now he pulls through. Thanks so much for all your help, I really appreciate it.
no problem thats why we are all here for ! but if by chance his eyes dont get better, def take him to a herp vet, eyes are one of those things that can indicate other hiding issues, and also, its his eyes, very important part of his life, or any living things life lol keep us posted !
 

Maisey

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Jun 25, 2014
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Id just thought id let you no I have taken him to the vets this afternoon.
Though his eyes are a lot better he still hasn't eaten and had become very lethargic.
Unfortunately the specialist wasn't there today so we have to go back in the morning but hopefully they can sort him out.
I'll let you no hoe he gets on tomorrow.
I really hope he pulls through.
 
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