A question about Sulcata's

[Flirtycuddle]

I have a 6 month old sulcata. I noticed he's been hiding a lot so this morning I took him out to check him. His eyes do not want to open. I have a vet visit ready for him later today already but any ideas why? He has a ESU slimline uvb bulb and a red heat lamp. Both under 6 months old. Gets fresh grasses mixed with greens daily, herptavite and rep cal calicum dusted on his food. Soaked once a week.

[Reptilian]

It's been awhile since I've dealt with turtles/torts, so I've forgotten most of my info. It's a good thing you have a vet appt. set up. I am just guessing here but it might be RI. Does the side of his head look puffy, it might be an ear abscess. Again I am only guessing, your vet of course will know better.

[mlededee]

often times eye problems are a sign of a vitamin A deficiency. there may be other deficiencies present as well, but that is the main one that causes eye issues.

try to up his intake of greens and veggies that contain high amounts of vitamin A (broccoli leaves and florettes, carrots, collard greens, mango, parsley, sweet potatoes, spinach, turnip greens, yellow squash).

i also recommend this supplement, which you can sprinkle on his food: http://www.carolinapetsupply.com/cat...0168580830927a.

also, have your vet do a fecal while you are there to rule out any parasites that may be causing problems.

[SatanicIntention]

I would also recommend changing his UVB bulb. It may be harming his eyes(IE: burning his corneas). Try a bulb from www.reptileuv.com, one of their mercury vapor bulbs would be a good choice. They are only $45 so might as well. They produce heat and UVB and last forever.

There has been alot of controversy on some UVB bulbs(I do know that ESU in particular is just crapola, most everything they make is..). Some of the bulbs are producing a harmful type of UVB which hurts reptiles' eyes. That would be something to research so your tort doesn't have irreversible damage.

[Flirtycuddle]

The vet confirmed what I thought that it was the light. I removed the light this morning and while he still won't open his eyes for he did eat a ton today. Collard greens, mustard greens, and some fresh grass. Not sure of permanent damage yet have to go back in a week to see what improvements have been made.

[Halfdawg]

Also make sure he has water available at all time's and I would mist him once a day. I know they get water from there greens but they also need water and you should also be soaking him about 2-3 times a week.
[IMG][/IMG]

[Reptilian]

The vet confirmed what I thought that it was the light.

Glad to hear the vet figured it out, lets hope much damage wasnt' done.

I would also recommend changing his UVB bulb. It may be harming his eyes(IE: burning his corneas).

:::shivers::: That never occured to me. I guess I need to do some more UV reading. Thanks much!

[Flirtycuddle]

He has big dish to drink out of that I change daily, mist him at least once a day and then soak him every other day or 2. I had read about the ESU with beardeds but then read that some never had a problem with them. He is out and moving about today just like he used to all the time. I am hoping there isnt any premant damage since it was only a month he had the light.

[West Coast Jungle]

does he have a hide that he can get away from the light? Although they need light they do spend a large part of the time relaxing in there hides. Also you said you use herpvite which is very high in protein which is not good for many tortoises that are herbavores (spelling?) like sulcattas and leopards. To much protein can cause kidney problems which in turn could cause many problems. I use herpvite for my Beardies(carnivore) but not on my tortoises.

[Reptilian]

I was doing a search on UV lighting and came across this:

http://www.uvguide.co.uk/phototherapyphosphor.htm