I own eastern and 3-toed box turtles, ranging from babies to full grown adults. The eye problem and the swollen ear are all manifestations of one single underlying problem.

Coming from the wild, box turtles are quite prone to upper respiratory infections. These usually are an underlying problem, and cause other secondary problems. The swollen and white film on the eye is most likely puss in the eye due to infection, which is a secondary infection of a cold.

The swollen ear is actually an abscess which is caused by an infection in the inner or middle ear. Treatment typically requires lancing the ear, draining the puss, and getting on a broad spectrum antibiotic such as Baytril. Treatment with an antibiotic such as Baytril will not only treat the inner ear infection, but also combat the underlying problem which is most likely a cold or upper respiratory infection, as mentioned above.

A reputable reptile veterinarian needs to examine the turtle in order to lance the ear and administer (sometimes by injection) an antibiotic. If the eye is still somewhat swollen, a prescription antibiotic ointment needs to be applied to help fight the infection.

If you have any more questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Edited by spookyjr on July 10 2006 at 5:33 PM

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I am NOT, nor do I claim to be, a Veterinarian.
Always check with your vet for any symptoms your pet exhibits.

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