Diagnosis and successful therapeutic management of conjunctivitis associated with hypovitaminosis A in a juvenile red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)

Abstract

Red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) are most prone to suffer from conjunctivitis with improper husbandry care. A Red-Eared slider with closed eyes was presented to the Veterinary Hospital, Athagarh, Cuttack, Odisha with chief complain of anorexia and closed eyelids since 15days. As per the anamnesis the water of container was not changed regularly by the owner, treated with multi-vitamins and antibiotics for two weeks showing no improvement in condition. Clinical examination represented swelling and inflammation of both the lower eyelids. Conjunctivitis was diagnosed basing on clinical examination and history. Treatments consist of oral antibiotic Clindamycin BID PO, topical Ciprofloxacin eye drops and Cap. Vitamin A on alternative days for twenty day and improvement in husbandry care. The turtle started to eat three days post treatment with uneventful recovery after twenty days.