Red Eared Slider Tore Eyelid

[Tabz]

I'm not sure what to do... I received in the mail yesterday the two baby red eared sliders I had ordered. When I first got them they both had their eyes closed and wouldn't open them, then finally one opened both his eyes, and the other only opened one of them.

Still a day has gone by and his eye won't open... but now I have another problem. He had been clawing at is and actually tore his eyelid! I don't know what to do... now I can see that he is peeking out of the tear in the eyelid and it is still closed. I went to the pet store and bought turtle eye drops because I thought it would help, but I'm not sure what to do.

Is there a way I can help open his eye without hurting him? Should I just leave it alone? Is this something that can heal on it's own or do I need to do something to help him. I'm just really worried because I don't want him in pain... all I've been doing is worrying since I got him!!!!

Any advice is great! I just want to help him so it doesn't get worse!

- Tabz

[Lizgirl]

I would say get him to a vet asap. I'm sorry I didn't see this sooner. How upsetting. Please let us know how things work out.

[elfomatic]

I would take him to the vet too, just to be sure he'll be okay. Make sure you go to a herp-certified vet.

More than likely, the torn eyelid won't be a problem. Just make sure to keep the water clean -- 50% water changes weekly. Use a filter and a water heater.

I would be more worried by the fact that they arrived with their eyes closed shut. It is a sign of underlying illness -- in both turtles. Baby sliders are very sensitive to temperature changes and something may have happened during shipping ... or they could have arrived with a disease. Keep them warm until you can see the vet -- water temps in the low 90's and basking temps a few degrees higher.

In the future, I would recommend you not buy baby sliders from online breeders. I'm almost positive I know who you must have bought from and I wouldn't recommend purchasing from them again. It is much better to get an older slider as they have already passed through the danger period and are much easier to care for.

Good luck with your babies and keep us posted!