Eye problem

[Winston17]

Hi There,

I am new to the forum. I just recently bought my first Russian Tortoise, Winston I have had him for 3 weeks now. He seems to be having problems with his left eye. He can still open it slightly but he seems to be having a hard time opening it all the way. This has been going on for a couple of days. Does anyone know what this might be, Should I take him in to the vet?

Thanks

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Winston17:

Welcome to the Tortoise Forum!!

May we know your name and where you are?

What kind of light do you use?

 

[pdrobber]

welcome.

 

[bikerchicspain]

Hi and welcome,

Try giving warm soaks and get some Terramicine eye ointment, its a miracle worker!

He could just have a scratch from something going in his eye or it could be an infection, either way the ointment will do both.

 

[Winston17]

My name is Ashley and I live in Alberta. I use a UVB bulb and I also have a heat lamp. How long should a warm soak take?! And how warm should the water be?! Also where can I pick up the terramicine eye ointment? Thanks for the info everyone

 

[pdrobber]

don't know if anyone contacted you but if your UVB bulb is a coil type and not a long straight single tube type you may want to get rid of it.

 

[Winston17]

I do have a bulb. What is the difference between the coil bulb an the tube?! Thanks.

 

[Maggie Cummings]

The coil bulb causes blindness in reptiles, so if yours is a coil please get rid of it. I can tell you from personal experience that they do cause blindness in tortoises, it's not just gossip.

You can get terramycin eye ointment on line or at most feed stores...

 

[Winston17]

Thanks so much. I will be getting rid of the coil bulb tonight as soon as I get home!!