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This page provides a forum for the public to get answers to a variety of turtle questions. Our staff consists of people experienced with turtle husbandry and health care as well as a licensed South Carolina veterinarian. The bottom of this page provides a location to e-mail questions. Accurate diagnosis of ailments can not be performed without seeing the turtle, therefore this page should be seen only as guidance. People with sick animals need to see a licensed veterinarian in their area.
Question: My turtle has a white discharge from its eyes. What should I do?
Answer: Your turtle appears to have an eye infection. This could also be related to an upper respiratory infection with as of yet unseen symptoms. This condition has been successfully treated with gentamicin ophthalmic solution and antibiotic therapy for the turtle. A veterinarian needs to be consulted.
The above treatment will treat the symptoms, however the cause for the infection needs to be investigated. This is usually brought on by a combination of inadequate housing and/or poor diet.
Question: My painted turtle appears to be healthy. He swims around but spends a lot of time on his rock in his aquarium. I'm concerned because he eats very sparingly. Is this normal?
Answer: A turtles appetite is dependent on the temperature he is kept. The turtles desire to stay on is rock my indicated he is not kept warm enough. Hanging an incandescent light over his basking spot will help warm him thus increasing his appetite.
Send questions to: tortclub@aol.com