hi i have a horsefield tortoise about 3 years old,he lives in a vivarium seems to be right temp.For the last month he hasnt eaten anything took him to the vets as his eyes seemed a bit puffy too.He gave me some eye drops and antibiotics.He also has lost about 3 oz in weight can anyone help thanks.

Hi,

Your tortoise could have a vitamin A deficiency as this is a sign with puffy eyes.

A vivarium set up is not ideal for him, have you thought about putting him in a table top set up? He is probably quiet because he is naturally programmed  to wind down this time of year.

Ali

Cod liver oil! This I have posted many times. It can have great effects on chelonian eyes. You need to be able to open the torts mouth though and deliver 1-2 drops twice a week, or place on favourite food and hand feed. The vitamins A and D in the oil are very beneficial for membranes and glands generally. Vitamins are the key to a cure. Keep us informed, good luck. David in York

he does seem a little brighter today,eyes dont seem so bad.As i have a dog thought a viv would be better for it.Ihave got an indoor rabbit cage i could fix that up for him do u think that would be better?

Thanks david should i just feed oraly or put some on eyes as well.

Personally I would not apply to eyes at all. Cod liver oil could dry on eyes (like it does on bottle neck) or cause particles to stick to the eyes. Best to give orally...usually gives rapid results. Don't over dose, a couple of drops a few of times a week 'til better. This for a tortoise about 15-20 cm. Cannot be more precise, go under rather than over! Good luck, David in York

Thanks David have moved tortoise into open air cage not vivarium he seems a lot happier already.Should i put heat lamp and uvb at same end,had them seperate before and should i leave anything on at night time.Thanks your help is much appreciated.