Why are the alligator snapping turtle's eyes turning white?

The alligator snapping turtle is a protected animal and is rarely seen. Many alligator snapping turtles have white eye disease in their eyes, just like conjunctivitis in humans. White eye disease in alligator snapping turtles is relatively common. Each alligator snapping turtle has a different physique so the symptoms may also be different. Don’t underestimate white eye disease in alligator snapping turtles. If it is not treated in time, it may eventually endanger the life of the alligator snapping turtle. Let’s understand what is going on with alligator snapping turtles.

Symptoms of white eye disease in alligator turtles

The symptoms of white eye disease in alligator turtles are generally inflammation, congestion and swelling of the eyes. The cornea and nasal mucosa are eroded due to eye inflammation, the outside of the eyeball is covered with white secretions, and there is inflammation inside the eye. Sick turtles often rub their eyes with their front paws, move slowly, and stop eating. In severe cases, the sick turtle will become blind, and eventually become emaciated and die. Some sick turtles only have one eye affected at the beginning of the disease. If no measures are taken, the other eye will soon show symptoms.

The occurrence of white eye disease in alligator turtles is generally caused by unclean water quality and high alkalinity. It may also be caused by injuries to the alligator turtle's eyes, long-term lack of sunlight during the winter, bacterial infection, etc. At the beginning of the disease, the alligator turtle's eyes turn white and cannot be opened. In severe cases, there will be more white secretions and even eye erosion. Mild white eye disease is most common in young aquatic turtles.

Prevention measures for white eye disease in alligator turtles

1. Strengthen feeding management before and after wintering, and when starting to feed, strengthen nutrition and enhance disease resistance. Keep the water fresh, pay attention to strengthening disinfection and enhancing nutrition.

2. Disinfect turtle-raising vessels. Soak glass tanks, aquariums, etc. for raising turtles in 10% salt water for 30 minutes, then rinse with clean water before raising turtles.

3. Soaking in penicillin or potassium permanganate solution is both a preventive measure and can be used as early treatment. The concentration for young turtles is 20 mg/L, and the concentration for young to adult turtles is 30 mg/L. The length of immersion time depends on the water temperature. If necessary, soak once a day (40 minutes) for 3-5 consecutive days.

Treatment of white eye disease in alligator turtles

1. Keep the sick alligator snapping turtle in dry water for a few days, then put it in clean water and add 50,000 units of penicillin or 1-2 tablets of oxytetracycline into the water.

2. Feed nutritious feed, such as chicken and duck livers once a month, which will help prevent the disease from getting worse.

3. Use a repellent to disinfect the alligator snapping turtle’s eyes. Soak surgical medications in a 1% aqueous solution once a day for 40 to 60 seconds each time for 3 to 8 days.

4. Soak in furazolidone (or furazolidone) solution. For young turtles, use a concentration of 20 mg/L, for juvenile turtles, use 30 mg/L. The same goes for adult turtles and juvenile turtles, 40 minutes each time, once a day for 3 to 5 days.

You can use a cotton swab dipped in a little water to rub the affected area of ​​the alligator snapping turtle back and forth to remove the rotten substances in the affected area and nearby areas, and then apply chloramphenicol eye ointment. After a period of observation, we will find that the white eye disease of the alligator snapping turtle has improved. For alligator snapping turtles with mild illnesses, eye drops can be used for treatment, and the effect is relatively ideal.