Management of blepharitis in red eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Two red-eared sliders were presented with reduced appetite, dullness and bilateral swelling of eyelids. History revealed that turtles lacked proper nutrients and husbandry practices were poor. It is reported that damage to soft tissue can cause infection from opportunistic microfloral bacteria in turtles leading to conjunctivitis; hypovitaminosis A was also recorded as the most important predisposing factor. The prognosis was good and response to treatment was quick in one of the patient as it recovered within ten days while the other patient recovered rather slowly. However by end of sixteen days, both turtles recovered. The treatment involved strengthening of management along with Chloramphenicol opthalmic and oral Vitamin-A supplement.