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My tortoise will barely open his eyes and when he does they are more white than black. Ive went to the vets twice and got eye drops but they haven't worked. I've changed his heat lamp and substrate but still no. What is wrong with him?

My tortoise will barely open his eyes and when he does they are more white than black. Ive went to the vets twice and got eye drops but they haven't worked. I've changed his heat lamp and substrate but still no. What is wrong with him?

Updated On June 14th, 2017

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

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Have him rechecked for vitamin A deficiency. Your herp vet can give an injection or dispense oral beta-carotene which Herman can convert to the active form of vitamin A. Dust food with a multivitamin powder 2-3 times weekly. A calcium supplement can be offered the other days. Use a 10% UVB light source making sure it is not blocked by glass or plexiglass. Consider a ceramic heat emitter instead of a bright heat lamp. Rinse the eyes with sterile saline solution if he allows. Monitor humidity levels and air circulation in the enclosure. Remove any furniture that may cause eye trauma.

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