← All answers

a vet answered

Hello, I’m looking for advice regarding my aquatic turtle. Its…

What they asked

Hello, I’m looking for advice regarding my aquatic turtle. Its eyes appear irritated and red, and it keeps them completely closed. It also refuses to eat. I have a water heater, a UVB lamp, a water filter, and a dry basking area in its tank. I have also been applying eye drops, but I haven’t noticed any improvement. I’m very concerned and would like to know what I can do to treat its eyes and help it recover. Could you please advise me on the next steps or let me know if it needs an urgent examination?

Dylan Wilson, DVM Verified VetKY license 293504

Sorry to hear about your turtle. He needs an urgent examination. That's a significant amount of eye swelling. If it's an infection or severe vitamin A deficiency, you will need prescription meds with oral or injectable treatment.

Have a question about your own pet?

Ask Dylan a question

Answered from your description alone, without examining your pet. That makes this general information, not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or prescription, and it is not intended to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. There is only so much anyone can tell from a message. For guidance specific to your pet, book an appointment so a vet can examine them properly.

Veterinarians on PawsRx are independent professionals, not PawsRx employees. Each is solely responsible for their own advice and clinical decisions. PawsRx does not review, endorse, recommend, or guarantee anything a vet or any other user posts, and does not practice veterinary medicine.

If you want your reptile seen in person

Clinics near you that see reptiles

Enter your ZIP. Send a clinic a request and they confirm a time with you.

Listings, not recommendations.

Verified means we confirmed a veterinary license exists and is active in the state shown. It is not a review of anyone's skill, judgment, or disciplinary record, and it is not an endorsement or recommendation by PawsRx. In an emergency, contact an emergency clinic rather than waiting on an answer here. Have your own question? Ask a vet.