Urgent Care :: Musk Turtles Eyes Look Swollen

[AlchemyBlend]

Background info:

20 gallon tank

30 gallon filter

UVB/heat lights (90 degrees)

Water Heater (82 degrees)

My hatchling musk turtle is sleeping a lot on her basking dock, no signs of lopsided swimming, no signs of mucus etc, but she tends to sleep a lot and when on the rock for a long time, when she wakes up, it’s like her eyes are too dried out to open unless she goes for a swim…

… she’s eating though not a lot (dried shrimp) but doesn’t like to eat her pellets yet.

I’ve included pictures of her eyes so you guys can help me figure this out.

Btw, last night I treated both her eyes with drops of pure cod liver oil. She seems a *little* bit more active, as in she’s opening her eyes more on the basking dock but still her eyes look a little strange.

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

[steve]

What kind of UVB lights are you using and how long does she bask for, for this to happen?

[AlchemyBlend]

Hi, after about 20 minutes it happens… and this is the link to the lights I have. Thank you

https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostor ... lsrc=aw.ds

[steve]

I'd keep the lights further away from her basking area. Even leave the uvb off for a couple of days to see if that helps. Try other things to see if she will eat more and try not to stress her out, like from excessive handling.

[AlchemyBlend]

Got it. Woke up this morning and she was swimming! I’ll take that as a good sign? And yes, I will readjust the lights. Thank you for your help.

[steve]

Swimming is a good sign, but make sure she's eating too. It can be hard to tell especially since pellets can break apart in water.

[AlchemyBlend]

Hi Steve, she’s continuing to be active, she just done basking for 4 hours but woke up quicker, opened her eyes faster is overall more active. She only eats shrimp, she’s ignoring the pellets unfortunately. I have taken your advice and not handled her anymore… seems to be working. Also, the lights have been moved a little further away.

[steve]

What else have you tried feeding her? Shrimp should only be seen as a treat as there is little nutritional value for a hatchling.