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My red-eared slider has swollen eyes, won't eat. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Aquatic Turtle | Female | 2.425 lbs

I have a red eared slider turtle, that has swoleen eyes, I have went to a local vet who gave me a eye drops called tobradex, and augemntine, but nothing has worked for her, she has been sleeping most day for the last couple month with no eating, I think she is hybernating, what should I do?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on December 24th, 2019

This is likely due to a vitamin A deficiency if antibiotic therapy has not helped. This product ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zoo-med-repti-turtle-eye-drops ) may help along with a diet rich in vitamin A. Check the temperatures in the tank. Low temps can affect appetite in reptiles. You can use bits of raw beef heart to stimulate the appetite. Ince the turtle is eating, switch to a diet including a protein source (feeder fish, nightcrawlers, etc.) Fresh greens and vegetables and commercial pellets. Powdered multivitamin and calcium supplementation is also recommended. Review slider care at the link below. http://www.anapsid.org/reslider.html

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    Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 29th, 2017

    These symptoms are usually relate to Vitamin A deficiency, you will need to take him to a reptile vet ASAP in order to get a vitamin A injection as well as vitamin A eye drops. vitamin A deficiency is caused due to lack of it in the food, you will need to make some dietary changes.

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