General Care Discussion :: has my RES gone blind...pls help

[kiranmp]

Hi.. I am Kiran from India.. I require your kind help... in India not many people keep RES... so knowledge is limited..

I have 2 RES both about 4".... they are housed in a 2'.5" X 1'.5"X1'.5" tank...with half tank of water, a nice dead wood basking area.. I clean the tank once a week...and the water is pretty clean.. I also have three guppys in the tank... my turtles hunt down everyelse but for these three guys...

Now the problem is that one of the turtles's eye lids are permanatly closed.. i could say its practically living blind, I am hand feeding him right now... I think it should be some infection... Pls advice any medication or any tip possible to resolve this...

Kind regards Kiran

[missibsu]

Is your turtle experiencing any other symptoms? Is he lathargic? Does he breathe through an open mouth? Is there any mucus or snot?

Also, what is the temp of your water and basking areas?

There are two products that are usually recommended, zoo med eye drops, and cod liver oil. Use of products depends on what is actually wrong, drops for infection and cod liver oil for lack of vitamin A. I am also not sure of availability of these products in your country.

[KellyP]

Are there any veterinarians in your area that will see turtles? It sounds as though they are in need of veterinary care.

[steve]

I would also contact zoos and universities that teach animal husbandry and veterinary medicines. Do not forget about reptile organizations in your area. There has been various instances of closed eyes, you'll have to explain the problem in more detail or search the forum for similar situations/suggestions. It is very frustrating for both the turtle and owner if it cannot see. Good luck.

[amazingcc]

If you can't find a vet, let me know - I'll try to help in locating one.

Actually I found this... they deal w/reptiles:


Madras Crocodile Trust
Post Bag No. 4
Mahabalipuram 603 104
Tamil Nadu

[Kallistos]

Can you give us an update on what's happened?

[Jessica313]

im sorry to be the one who has to say it first, but your set up is WAY too small for 2 4" turtles. the rule of thumb is 10 gallons for every inch of turtle... so ideally, you would want at least 80 gallons for both of them right now.....
also, do you have UVB lighting?
the proper set up is vital for having healthy turtles

good luck finding a vet! please let us know what happens. i wish you and your little guys the best!